Rs 121 For 350 Km General Class Train Journey In India Vs Rs 436 In Pakistan And Rs 323 In Bangladesh: Vaishnaw

Last Updated:March 17, 2025, 21:19 IST

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated India offers the cheapest train travel, charging Rs 121 for 350 km in general class, with a 47% subsidy and no fare increase since 2020.

Vaishnaw said the cost of train travel per kilometre is Rs 1.38 but passengers are charged only 73 paise, “meaning a subsidy of 47% is provided”. (Photo file)

Claiming that India is providing the cheapest train travel to passengers, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said that for a 350 km journey, Indian Railways charges Rs 121 for general class as against Rs 435 in Pakistan, Rs 413 in Sri Lanka and Rs 323 in Bangladesh.

Vaishnaw, while speaking in Rajya Sabha, also said western countries are charging 10 to 20% more fare than India.

He said that there has been no increase in train fare post 2020, adding that the Indian Railways is providing a subsidy of 47% to its passengers. During a discussion in Rajya Sabha, he highlighted the achievements and future plans of Indian Railways.

The minister said that Indian Railways is providing safe and high-quality services to passengers at affordable fares while securing a leading position globally.

“If we compare it with neighbouring countries, our fare is the cheapest. If we see a journey of 350 km, in India for general class the fare is Rs 121 as against Rs 436 in Pakistan, Rs 323 in Bangladesh and Rs 416 in Sri Lanka,” he said.

It is worth mentioning that the value of one Indian Rupee is equal to 3.21 Pakistani Rupees, 1.40 Bangladeshi Taka and 3.42 Sri Lankan Rupees, as of date.

Vaishnaw said the cost of train travel per kilometre is Rs 1.38 but passengers are charged only 73 paise, “meaning a subsidy of 47% is provided”.

“In the financial year 2022-23, passengers received a subsidy of Rs 57,000 crore, which increased to approximately Rs 60,000 crore in 2023-24 (provisional figures),” he said, emphasising that the goal is to provide safe and improved services at minimal fares.

The Railway Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to serving the poorest sections of society. He emphasised that the number of general coaches is being increased to 2.5 times that of AC coaches.

“Under the current production plan, 17,000 non-AC coaches are scheduled for manufacturing,” he said.

The Minister stated that Indian Railways’ financial position is strong, with continuous efforts to improve it.

“The Railway sector has successfully overcome challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with passenger numbers increasing and growth observed in both passenger and freight transportation,” Vaishnaw said.

He reminded that Indian Railways has an annual revenue of approximately Rs 2.78 lakh crore and expenditures of Rs 2.75 lakh crore. “The Railway’s major expenses are being met through its own income, which is a result of its strong performance,” he said.

News india Rs 121 For 350 Km General Class Train Journey In India Vs Rs 436 In Pakistan And Rs 323 In Bangladesh: Vaishnaw



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