Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, accusing it of “surreptitiously” hiking railway fares just weeks before the annual budget. The move, revealed through an internal Railway document circulated unofficially to reporters, introduces a new “rationalised” fare structure set to take effect on December 26, 2025.
Khera alleged that the government is attempting to bypass parliamentary accountability by avoiding a formal announcement, saying, “Govt increasing fares just before the annual budget is one thing, doing it surreptitiously is a new low even by the lowest standards set by Modi.”
The document details marginal increases across several categories, protecting short-distance and daily commuters. The Railways expects to generate approximately Rs 600 crore in additional revenue this year, citing massive spikes in operational costs, particularly manpower and pensions.
However, Khera and other opposition leaders argue that the government prioritises “PR gimmicks” like Vande Bharat trains over basic safety and infrastructure for the common man. The controversy highlights the government’s “lack of sensitivity” towards millions relying on the network daily.