New Delhi: Indian Railways is trending on X as a minor fare hike, new Tatkal booking rules, and the launch of the RailOne app, all effective today, have stirred public reactions ranging from frustration to cautious optimism. These changes, aimed at modernizing India’s lifeline for over 7 million daily passengers, have ignited discussions about affordability, accessibility, and digital innovation.
The fare hike, the first in years, increases non-AC Mail/Express train fares by 1 paisa per kilometer and AC class fares by 2 paise per kilometer. Suburban and second-class tickets up to 500 km remain untouched, but longer journeys now cost ₹5–15 more, depending on distance. The Ministry of Railways justifies the hike to fund infrastructure upgrades, including 18 new Vande Bharat trains added in 2024, per a Business Standard report.
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On X, users like @DailyCommuter lament the pinch on middle-class wallets, with one post stating, “A ₹15 hike for long routes adds up for families!” Others, like @RailProgress, argue it’s necessary for cleaner stations and faster trains, citing 1,000 new trains planned for 2025, per a Hindu report.
Starting July 1, Tatkal bookings via the IRCTC website or app now require mandatory Aadhaar authentication, with Aadhaar-based OTP verification mandatory from July 15. Authorized agents are barred from booking during the initial 30-minute window (10:00–10:30 AM for AC, 11:00–11:30 AM for non-AC) to curb black-market sales, which account for 1.5 lakh daily Tatkal tickets, per a Times of India report.
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The move aims to ensure fair access for genuine passengers, but X users are divided. @TicketSeeker calls it a “game-changer for transparency,” while @PrivacyMatters warns, “Aadhaar linkage risks data leaks and excludes tech-averse rural passengers.” Accessibility concerns dominate, with @VillageTraveler noting difficulties for those without Aadhaar or smartphones.
Adding to the buzz, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the RailOne app on the 40th Foundation Day of the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). Billed as a one-stop platform for ticket booking, PNR checks, and real-time train inquiries, the app aligns with 2024’s digital advancements like live train tracking, per a Mint report. On X, @TechRailFan praises its sleek interface, posting, “Booking tickets just got easier!” However, @SkepticCommuter doubts its reliability during peak hours, citing past IRCTC website crashes.
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The convergence of these changes has fueled a broader discourse on X about balancing modernization with affordability. While the fare hike and Tatkal reforms aim to enhance efficiency and fairness, they risk alienating budget-conscious and less tech-savvy passengers. The RailOne app, though promising, faces scrutiny over its scalability. As Indian Railways navigates this transformative phase, public sentiment on X reflects a mix of hope for improved services and frustration over rising costs and digital barriers, underscoring the challenge of reforming a system integral to millions.
