Need to raise rail fares but wont do it now,says Mamata

Days before the Railway Budget,Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday admitted the need for a passenger fare hike but said she was avoiding such a decision keeping in mind peoples sufferings due to the soaring prices of essential items.

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Days before the Railway Budget,Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday admitted the need for a passenger fare hike but said she was avoiding such a decision keeping in mind peoples sufferings due to the soaring prices of essential items.

Attending a programme here,the minister said she does not want to put another burden on the people by raising passenger fares and could instead prefer to induct private capital for the development of railway services.

I cannot raise the minimum fare of Re 1,but everyone knows modern amenities cannot be provided without funds. The price of petrol and diesel are rising,the Railways also requires diesel to run services. So I have decided to engage private parties for the development of Railways, she said after inaugurating the refurbished Majerhat railway station and laying the foundation for the multi-functional complex at New Alipore Railway station.

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Banerjee assured railway employees that she will not allow the present railway system to be privatised and said she wants to maintain a good relation with various employees union.

Incidentally,Leftist trade unions have been alleging that Banerjee was insisting on privatisation which will jeopardise the interests of a large number of employees.

I have already met representatives of various business chambers in Delhi. Many of them have shown interest in investing in the Railways. I appeal to all members of the business community to come forward with their plans, said Banerjee.

She also urged the private sector to invest in health and education schemes already outlined by the Railways.

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