Miscellaneous - This Day That Age   

dated February 23, 1955: Railway Budget

Presenting the Railway Budget for 1955-56 in the Lok Sabha on February 22, the Railway Minister, Mr. Lal Bahadur Shastri, announced a re-adjustment of second, inter and third class passenger fares on the basis of a telescopic structure of three "legs", under which long-distance passengers performing journeys of 301 miles or more would be given relief, while on short distances up to 150 miles fares would be slightly enhanced. There would be no change in the middle "leg" of 151 to 300 miles. Fares for the air-conditioned class would be raised in two "legs". Mr. Shastri said he did not expect any substantial increase in passenger receipts as a result of this re-adjustment. However, with the ever-increasing commitments of the Railways, he could hardly overlook the need for improving their financial resources. As regards air-conditioned travel, the present rate of 30 pies per mile would be increased to 34 pies per mile for the first 300 miles and 32 pies per mile thereafter. The existing extra charge of five rupees per night for bedding would, however, be discontinued. From April 1, when the new telescopic rates would come into force, Mr. Shastri said, the present second and inter classes would be known as first and second classes respectively. The Railway Minister announced certain adjustments in freight rates, the main features of which are a reduction in the freight charges for foodgrains and fertilizers, and a revision of the existing telescopic scales in regard to other goods traffic. The net revenue surplus for the year 1955-56 would amount to Rs. 7.14 crores, as against the revised estimates of Rs. 6.57 crores for the current year.

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