MUMBAI: Central Railway officials have sought an increase in fares of monthly season tickets to reduce operating ratio and improve maintenance and safety, particularly in Mumbai division.

CR has proposed projects worth Rs 400 crore in the 2015-16 railway budget, including extension of railway platforms at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, construction of foot overbridges and elimination of level-crossing gates.

It also plans an automatic door-closing system for suburban rakes, which will cost Rs 600 crore.

A senior CR official said “These cost-intensive proposals need that suburban losses are offset by right pricing of suburban monthly season tickets, failing which expenditure cuts may jeopardize maintenance and safety operations of long-distance and goods trains.”

The Railway Board’s sanction of funds for those projects may not be adequate as CR has incurred a loss of Rs 727.47 crore in 2012-13 and the same amount in 2013-14.

A 100-200% increase had angered Mumbaikars. The hike was rolled back after protests.

Source: Times of India