Railways may levy up to Rs 35 user fee in its fares for redevelopment

For the redevelopment of railway stations, now rail passengers may have to pay additional rail fares from 10 to 35 rupees.

But this is only a part of the proposal which the Railways is still finalizing and then it will be sent to the cabinet soon for approval.

According to sources the passenger fee will vary by category and it can range from Rs 10 to Rs 35.

Notably, Railway had already clarified that this charges would be taken only for those stations that are being redeveloped. And also for those where the number of passengers is high.

Out of total 7000 stations nationwide, about only 700 to 1000 stations fall in this criteria.

A spokesperson of the Ministry of Railways said, "Usage fee is essentially a small amount which is used to increase the facilities of all passengers at railway stations. But one thing is certain that these usage charges will be minimal and will not be difficult for the passengers," he said.

On 17 September in a press conference Railway Board CEO VK Yadav had said that ''the railways would not charge usage charges at all seven thousand stations, but for the next five years this fee would be charged at larger stations with higher number of passengers''.

He added that ''the center will soon issue a notification about the user charge for the stations''.