Hike in platform ticket cost 'temporary', aimed at preventing crowding during pandemic: Railways
New Delhi: The recent hike in platform ticket cost in some stations is a "temporary" measure and is aimed at preventing crowding during the coronavirus pandemic, the railways clarified on Friday.
Cost of platform tickets has been increased by up to Rs 50 in some stations recently. It came close of the heels of the railways increasing ticket cost for short-distance trains.
The national transporter said the increase in short-distance travel cost too was aimed at discouraging unnecessary travel during the pandemic.
"Present increase in platform ticket prices at some stations is a 'temporary' measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus through crowding. This is being done at a limited number of stations which see heavy rush," the railways said, adding that the hike has been effected in only seven stations in Mumbai division out of a total of 78.
It said powers to raise platform ticket prices to prevent crowding at stations had been delegated to Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) since 2015.
It also said that this is in practice for many years and is used occasionally as a "short-term crowd control measure". "There is nothing new about it," it said.
Earlier, this had been done during festivals and gradually rolled back, it said.
"This time it's being due to COVID-19 exigencies and the decision has been taken in interest of public only. At many places, it was introduced in March after lockdown," it said.
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Student commits suicide in Shimla after failing in Class 12 exams
Shimla (PTI): A student allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan in his rented accommodation in Annadale area in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla after failing in his Class 12 exams, police said on Tuesday.
The police said they received information regarding the incident on Monday after which a team reached the spot, recovered the body and sent it to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla for post-mortem.
The student's father told police that his son was under mental stress since the declaration of his Class 12 examination on Monday as he failed the exam.
He committed suicide after locking himself in the room. His body was spotted by one of his friends who immediately alerted the police.
Confirming the report, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shimla, Gaurav Singh said that a case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
