Railway officials stated that the minimum fare of Rs. 10 has been set for passenger trains operating to Erode, Mettupalayam, and Palakkad from Coimbatore. Furthermore, passenger trains to Pollachi departing at 5:45 AM and 6:45 PM will also benefit from the reduced minimum fare
Coimbatore: In a move that has brought relief and joy to the commuters of Coimbatore, the Southern Railway has announced a significant reduction in the minimum fare for passenger trains, decreasing it from Rs. 30 to Rs. 10. The Coimbatore Railway Station issued a press release in this regard. This decision comes as a respite to the public, especially after the increased fares during the COVID-19 pandemic when public transportation services, including buses and trains, were heavily impacted.
During the pandemic, passenger trains were converted to express services, leading to an increase in the minimum fare from Rs. 10 to Rs. 30. Despite the return to normalcy post-pandemic, the increased fare remained unchanged, prompting daily commuters to petition for a reduction to the original fares.
Acknowledging the public's request, the railway authorities have now implemented the reduced minimum fare of Rs. 10 for journeys up to 200 kilometers. This reduction is effective immediately and is expected to benefit a large number of daily commuters as well as occasional travelers.
The passenger trains operating from Coimbatore to various destinations, including Mettupalayam, Erode, Pollachi, Palakkad, Palani, and Kannanoor, are part of this fare reduction initiative. Specifically, the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam passenger train, which previously charged a minimum fare of Rs. 30, will now charge only Rs. 10, irrespective of the disembarking station within the specified distance.
Railway officials stated that the minimum fare of Rs. 10 has been set for passenger trains operating to Erode, Mettupalayam, and Palakkad from Coimbatore. Furthermore, passenger trains to Pollachi departing at 5:45 AM and 6:45 PM will also benefit from the reduced minimum fare, enhancing accessibility and affordability for the city's residents.
This fare reduction is a welcomed change, reflecting the railway's commitment to serving the needs of the community and encouraging the use of public transportation among the residents of Coimbatore and its surrounding areas.