The Hindu Business Line : Montek calls for creation of rail tariff authority

THE Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, has called for the constitution of a Railway Tariff Authority to ensure rationalisation of tariffs.

He also urged the Government to introduce transparency in cross-subsidisation in the Railway fares, saying the transfer of subsidy from one target to another should be made explicit in the budget.

Besides, he made a strong case for acquiring new technologies from outside the country for more efficient functioning of the system and formulation of an integrated transport policy. "Without rational fares and freight structure, the Railways cannot function independently. Rationalisation is very much in Railway interest," he said speaking at a seminar here.

Later, he told presspersons that he was not outrightly recommending an increase in fares, but wanted a fresh look on the whole tariff structure. "I do feel it would be a sensible move to go about doing it in the light of changing circumstances. For this, I will first have to persuade the Planning Commission and then take it to the Government," said Mr Ahluwalia.