Train travel to cost more
Railway fares are to be increased for the first time in over a decade. The fares will go up by 15 per cent with the next month, according to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.
Secretary to the Ministry G. S. Vithanage said that the proposal to increase the fares were in discussion for the last two to three months. He noted however that a final conclusion has not yet been reached.
According to him, the fare increase would likely be imposed by September and implemented by October. However, a definite response may be provided by next week. Vithange noted that the relevant gazette notification will be published in the near future.
The Ministry also noted that the minimum train fare of Rs 10 will not be changed by this amendment.
Janaka Bandara, chairperson of the Railway Superintendents’ Association, claimed that the collective of unions were in support of this move given the severe disparity between bus fare rates and that of the railways. In an environment where the Railway Department makes losses each year, it is necessary to increase rates in order to maintain the industry, he opined.
The news of the increase of rates follows the sudden trade union strike that was conducted by several railway trade unions on 8 August, demanding that the Government address the salary anomalies of railway workers. The strike resulted in a loss of about Rs. 200 million to the Railway Department over the span of five days.
(Source: Ceylon Today – By Chathushka Perera)
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Railway fares needs to be increased similar to the road transport cost. I.e. the bus fare.
Also it should be privatized or lease out for 20 years with conditions.
All train stations are still 100 years old, porters, SLR staff also very lazy workers in some areas. Platforms and the train deck has very long gap. Old, blinds, wheel chairs, pregnant ladies, senior citizens has to take chances while getting in and getting off. This is very dangerous. Also passengers are using foot boards during rush hours, I have seen in few occasions some of foot boards collapsing are killing passengers.
If transport ministry can’t take any actions and just wasting their 5 years tenure we cant face for future.
People should take a stand and allow to privatize and give such conditions as mentioned above.
If anyone strikes, make sue those idiots are taken away from their duties and put in prison. Those who have families just pay their salaries. But put those idiots under the bars.
We cant have unions all over the country.