New Delhi, Feb 13 : Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today announced reduction in passenger fares for non sub-urban mail/express and ordinary passenger trains by one rupee for fares costing up to fifty rupees per passenger.

While introducing the Interim Railway Budget for 2009-10 in Lok Sabha today, he said that since the fare for rail travel for 10 km and below has already been reduced from four rupees to one rupee, this reduction will not be applicable for second class rail journey up to 10 km.

"It is decided to reduce the second class and sleeper class fares of all mail/express and passenger trains this year to fulfill the aspirations of the long distance passengers," he added.

The Minister further said that during the last four years, Railways have reduced the fares of AC First Class by 28 per cent and AC two tier by 20 per cent.

"Railways have been greatly benefited by the heavy reduction in passenger fares of these classes. Even as air travel is reportedly reflecting reduction in number of passengers due to economic recession, there has been a significant increase in the number of passengers of these classes on the railways," he said.

He said therefore, it is decided to reduce the fares of AC first class, AC 2 tier, AC 3 tier and AC Chair Car by 2 per cent. (ANI)