Amid news reports of train journeys becoming dearer, Railways Minister Md Zillul Hakim has made it clear that no decision to increase train fares has been taken yet.
Talking to reporters on Sunday, he said, "Currently, we have no plan to raise train fares.”
However, the current fixed fare has been in place for a long time, since 2016, he said, adding that while everything’s price has gone up except the price of train tickets.
He also said the price of oil has increased, the price of coaches has increased, the price of locomotives has increased and the salaries of officials and employees have increased.
"When we raise the train fare, we will inform you (journalists) in advance," he said.
Bangladesh Railway acting director general Sardar Shahadat Ali has been quoted by various news media outlets as saying train fares will be adjusted by withdrawing concessional facilities. Railway fares have not increased for a long time.
He also reportedly said due to increases in the cost of fuel and other components, the operational cost of trains has increased. To increase the income, it has been decided not to give the discount which is being given now.
In this regard, the railways minister asked if the Bangladesh Railway director general is the decision maker. “If there is a need to increase train fares, a decision will be taken after talking to journalists and informing the general public.”
