Indian Railways charging state govts only 15% of total expense for special trains, says Centre
While there has been criticism over charging migrants for the special train travel, the Ministry of Railways on Monday clarified that only a standard fare, which is just 15 percent of the total cost incurred by the railways is being charged from the state governments.
The ministry sources quoted by news agency ANI stated that "Indian Railways is running Shramik special trains keeping berths empty in each coach to maintain social distancing. The trains are returning empty from destinations under lock and key. Free food and bottled water are being given to migrants by railways."
The Indian Railways is charging only standard fare for this class from State Governments which is just 15 percent of the total cost incurred by the Railways, the sources revealed. Indian Railways is not selling any tickets to migrants and is only boarding passengers based on the lists provided by the States.
Meanwhile, the Indian Railways has run 34 Shramik special trains so far from different parts of the country and is fulfilling its social responsibility of providing safe and convenient travel especially to the poorest of the poor in a time of coronavirus crisis.
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The BJP said on Monday said that the Indian Railways has subsidized 85 percent of ticket fare for special trains being run to transport migrants and the state government has to pay the remaining 15 percent, soon after the Congress attacked the central government over the issue.
-PTC News
