Rail fares to go up next year: Minister

"It is necessary to increase the train fares as the financial position of the Railways is not sound. It is essential to raise the fares to take up developmental activities and provide amenities to commuters," he said.

Reddy was addressing a gathering after flagging off Visakhapatnam-Chennai and Visakhapatnam-Shirdi weekly express trains here Saturday. He said commuters should appreciate this fact.

Later, talking to reporters at Rajahmundry, Reddy said there was a proposal to increase the rail fares in the next railway budget. He also said Indian trains were the cheapest transport facility in the world and at the same time the number of mishaps on the tracks was very low.

Rs 25,000 crore worth railway projects were pending in Andhra Pradesh, he said, adding, it would take some time to clear them because of financial constraints.