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In an unpopular decision, railway passenger fare was today increased by 14.2 per cent in all classes while freight charge was hiked by 6.5 per cent with effect from June 25. CPM Politburo member Brinda Karat today reacted very strongly calling this an anti-people move.
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CPM SAYS RAIL FARE HIKE IS ANTI-PEOPLE
The decision of the Railways today restores an announcement of May 16, the day Lok Sabha election results came, when the same hike was effected but immediately put on hold.
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The Railways had then issued a notification effecting hike in passenger fare by 14.2 per cent across the board and freight charges by 6.5 per cent from May 20. This was followed up with an official press release.
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The May 16 fare hike decision, which had raised eyebrows as it came in the midst of Lok Sabha election results, led to a scurry of activities in Rail Bhawan on that day and the Railway Board went into a huddle to discuss its fallout.
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Soon after, the red-faced Railway Ministry had put the decision on hold, saying the matter related to the revision will be left to the next government.
