<p>Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/m-k-stalin">M K Stalin </a>on Wednesday demanded immediate withdrawal of any proposal to hike tariff in passenger trains and not to increase the number of air-conditioned coaches in trains at the cost of sleeper coaches.</p><p>Stalin, who travelled to Vellore from Chennai by an express train, reminded the BJP-led Union Government that Indian Railways is not just a service, but a family. </p><p>His remarks came as reports suggested that the Indian Railways will effect a minimal hike of 1 paisa per km in the fare tariff for non-AC Mail and Express trains, while a 2 paisa per km increase for AC class tickets, in the first such hike after the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>.Railways to introduce marginal hike in fare from July 1.<p>“Indian Railways is not just a mode of transport for the poor and the middle class; it's an integral part of their daily life. At Katpadi railway station today, I spoke to people who welcomed me to Vellore. The usual cheer and happiness were missing. The proposed fare hike and the reduction in sleeper class coaches in trains have stolen their happiness,” he said. </p><p>He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw not to go ahead with the proposed passenger fare hike and not to reduce the number of sleeper and unreserved coaches in short and long distance trains. </p><p>The number of sleeper coaches in express and super-fast trains that ply within Tamil Nadu and originate from the state have dwindled in the past few years by giving way to AC coaches. While the demand for AC coaches is a good development, people believe that the number of coaches in trains should be increased rather than reducing the sleeper class coaches and adding AC coaches in their place. </p><p>“People are already suffering due to price rise and regular hike in LPG cylinder. I request the Prime Minister and Railway Minister not to increase their burden. The Indian Railways isn’t just a service – it’s family,” Stalin added.</p>
<p>Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/m-k-stalin">M K Stalin </a>on Wednesday demanded immediate withdrawal of any proposal to hike tariff in passenger trains and not to increase the number of air-conditioned coaches in trains at the cost of sleeper coaches.</p><p>Stalin, who travelled to Vellore from Chennai by an express train, reminded the BJP-led Union Government that Indian Railways is not just a service, but a family. </p><p>His remarks came as reports suggested that the Indian Railways will effect a minimal hike of 1 paisa per km in the fare tariff for non-AC Mail and Express trains, while a 2 paisa per km increase for AC class tickets, in the first such hike after the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>.Railways to introduce marginal hike in fare from July 1.<p>“Indian Railways is not just a mode of transport for the poor and the middle class; it's an integral part of their daily life. At Katpadi railway station today, I spoke to people who welcomed me to Vellore. The usual cheer and happiness were missing. The proposed fare hike and the reduction in sleeper class coaches in trains have stolen their happiness,” he said. </p><p>He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw not to go ahead with the proposed passenger fare hike and not to reduce the number of sleeper and unreserved coaches in short and long distance trains. </p><p>The number of sleeper coaches in express and super-fast trains that ply within Tamil Nadu and originate from the state have dwindled in the past few years by giving way to AC coaches. While the demand for AC coaches is a good development, people believe that the number of coaches in trains should be increased rather than reducing the sleeper class coaches and adding AC coaches in their place. </p><p>“People are already suffering due to price rise and regular hike in LPG cylinder. I request the Prime Minister and Railway Minister not to increase their burden. The Indian Railways isn’t just a service – it’s family,” Stalin added.</p>