Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Bitter pill, better health”. The hike in railway fares was long overdue. The opposition parties and critics of the Narendra Modi-led Government might say that the decision will break the back of the common man struggling due to inflation.
But we need to look at the larger picture. Ultimately, the Government needs money to improve our rail network. With the kind of fiscal and current account deficits that we are saddled with, it is imperative that such bold steps are taken.
Besides this, the Government must also explore options of utilising huge railway properties at its disposal to generate more revenues. We also need to understand that the BJP-led Government could take this step because it has a big majority and is not dependent on anyone to move ahead.
Hopefully, the Union Government will take similar steps regarding oil prices as well, to ease the burden of oil- marketing companies. If we want our economy to revive, we need to brace up for such decisions.