AC travel in trains set to become costlier. Read why
Travel in AC coaches is set to become costlier soon as the Railways is planning to hike the charge for bedroll kits provided in AC trains and coaches, including the currently-exempted Garib Rath and Duranto trains.
The move follows a note from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), asking why a revision had not taken place in the last 12 years and recommending that the cost of the bedroll be included in the train fare.
Presently, the railways supplies bedroll kits in all air-conditioned coaches and their prices, around Rs 25, are included in the ticket fare. However, this does not hold for Garib Rath and Duronto trains where passengers across classes can book the kits while purchasing their tickets at the same rate.
According to PTI report, the deputy CAG has asked the railways to increase the cost of the bedrolls as it has not been reviewed in the last 12 years despite the rise in cost of procuring and maintaining them.
"We have received the note and we are reviewing it. Prices cannot remain the same forever. There will be a review of the bedroll charges of the Garib Rath trains and they will likely be included in the price of the ticket in the next six months," PTI quoted a senior official.
The note highlights the need for a review of the cost of the bedroll kits, comprising two sheets, one face towel, one pillow with cover and a blanket.
"The letter has asked the railways to explain if it had ever considered revising the bedroll kit charges for Garib Rath trains after prescribing it for the first time in October 2006, by viewing the increased cost of its constituents," the official said.