SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, July 1: All India Congress Committee (AICC) member and Chairman of the Jharkhand Congress State Disciplinary Committee, Brajendra Prasad Singh, strongly criticized the Narendra Modi government over the recent hike in rail fares, calling it “a cruel joke on the people.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Singh said that over the past 11 years, the Modi-led government has failed to restore essential passenger facilities or improve safety measures on trains.
“Instead of easing the burden on commuters, the government has only added to their hardship by increasing fares,” he said.
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Lack of Basic Facilities and Long Waiting Times
He further alleged that the government has taken no steps to improve the train travel experience. “Today, passengers often have to wait for four to five days just to get a confirmed train ticket. Rather than addressing these issues, the government has chosen to raise fares, worsening the situation for ordinary people,” Singh added.
Withdrawal of Senior Citizen Concessions Criticized
Singh also slammed the government for withdrawing the rail fare concessions that were earlier provided to senior citizens during the UPA regime. “Back then, senior citizens were offered a 40% to 50% concession. The Modi government revoked this relief, and now, with this fare hike, it has again targeted poor and elderly passengers,” he said.
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He urged the central government to roll back the fare hike and reinstate the senior citizen concession, warning that the public will not tolerate policies that burden the common man.