Train fares hiked across the board for first time in 10 years

New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal Wednesday hiked train fares across the board, the first time in ten years, with effect from Jan 21 midnight.

The fare for sleeper class has been increased by 6 paise per kilometer. The hike is 10 paise per kilometer for air conditioned chair car as well as three tier classes, Bansal told reporters here.

The minister said that the hike was "imperative" to maintain and improve the safety measures and cleanliness of the trains as well as upgrade railway stations.

He further said there would be no increase when the annual rail budget is presented in February.