Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal called his budget as ‘realistic’ without announcing hike in basic passenger fare. However, Superfast charges and Tatkal fees were raised in the rail budget 2013-14.
As per the announcement yesterday, there has been increase in fare for superfast, cancellation, tatkal and reservation. The hike would earn Rs 881 crore for the railways.
The basic fares may not be hiked, but the increase in supplementary charges could not be ignored. The minister claimed that increased fare in reservation, tatkal and cancelation would not put burden on common passengers. However, the middle class families would have to think again while booking/cancelling their tickets.
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Revised Reservation Fee
| Class | Existing | Revised |
| Second | 15 | 15 |
| Sleeper | 20 | 20 |
| AC Chair Car | 25 | 40 |
| AC-3 Economy | 25 | 50 |
| AC-3 Tier | 25 | 40 |
| First Class | 25 | 50 |
| AC-2 Tier | 25 | 50 |
| AC First | 35 | 60 |
| Executive | 35 | 60 |
Charges in Superfast Trains
| Class | Existing | Revised |
| Second | 10 | 15 |
| Sleeper | 20 | 30 |
| AC Chair Car | 30 | 45 |
| AC-3 Economy | 30 | 45 |
| AC-3 Tier | 30 | 45 |
| First Class | 30 | 45 |
| AC-2 Tier | 30 | 45 |
| AC First | 50 | 75 |
| Executive | 50 | 75 |