Fare gets fair

Train travel has definitely become costlier in the past decade. But with more comfort and more facilities, the experience has also improved. The future promises a better deal. While the quality of journey goes up, railway fares are likely to stabilise or even come down.

Then: Delhi to Mumbai by an express train in AC II-tier cost Rs 1,126 in 1995

Now: The same journey now costs Rs 1,488, a rise of 32% in the past 13 years

Then: If rail fares keep rising at the same rate, Delhi to Mumbai by AC II-tier may cost Rs 1,966 in 2021.

This is one trend which has already shown signs of reversing. Competition from low-cost airlines has forced the railways to reduce AC I, II and III-class fares for three consecutive years. So why has your travel budget gone up? Simply because you are travelling more—for work and for pleasure.