First Class passengers demand more coaches

Expressing their displeasure over the 3.7 per cent hike in the First Class fare on the suburban section, passengers and passenger associations demanded additional facilities from the railways.

One of their primary demands was that the railways should increase the number of First Class coaches on Western, Central and Harbour line.

Repair this first: A torn seat cover remains unattended in a ladies First Class compartment on the Western line. File pic

Explaining that it was not the railways which hiked the fare, its officials said the October 1 hike was implemented after the finance ministry levied a 3.7 percent service tax on tickets and monthly passes.

"The decision taken by the railways is incorrect. Though the railway officials say that they have not increased the fare and won't get anything from this hike, we have to pay extra for our daily tickets and monthly passes," said Ramesh Rai, who commutes from Nallasopara to Churchgate daily.

"I had personally met the railway officials and wrote letters, asking them to provide some additional facilities to commuters travelling in First Class.

The Central Railway has provided cushioned seats in the Second Class, just like the ones in the First Class. Then what is the difference between the First Class and the Second Class? It's meaningless to pay ten times more and travel in a First Class compartment," said Subhash Gupta, member of Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee.u00a0