New Delhi, August 18
A Parliamentary panel has advocated hike in passenger fares within reasonable limits not only to offset the inflationary trend and diesel price but to improve passenger facilities and safety in the trains.

The Parliament’s Consultative Committee attached to the Railway Ministry has suggested that hike in railway fares was necessary not only to offset the rising operational costs but also to plough back at the same time the resources raised for the benefit of passengers and improvement in railway system.

The members pointed out that the time had now come to consider this reasonable hike in passenger fares which had not been done in the past 10 years so as to ensure improved and value-added passenger services and amenities along with the growth of railway system.

A number of members also suggested that the Railways should give more stress on public private partnership (PPP) model to attract private investment in various activities to overcome shortage of resources.

They pointed out that financial resources would be necessary for achieving further improvement of services and providing further impetus to safety related activities and initiatives.

Speaking at the meeting of the panel, Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi said safety was being accorded the highest priority by the Railways.

To improve security, the minister said the ministry was moving to further strengthen the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and also planning an amendment in the RPF Act, 1957, to empower the RPF to deal with passenger security.