Lalu Prasad Yadav seldom misses an opportunity to tell the world how he has filled the empty coffers of the Indian
Railways in the last four years without raising passenger fares even once.
But even as management gurus from around the world marvel at his turnaround strategy and rustic wisdom, it is
clear that a large part of the additional money has come from the sharp growth in passenger traffic (10 to 15 per
cent per annum in the last four years) but also some smart tricks played on unwitting consumers.
Prasad’s tenure will be remembered for the better availability of tatkal (instant) reserved tickets on trains.
These berths are thrown open for reservation at the very last but come at a premium of Rs 75-300.
Text: Saubhadra Chatterji & Bijith R
Image: Railways Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav shows a victory sign after casting his vote in the Indian Presidential election at Parliament in New Delhi, 19 July 2007. | Photograph: Prakash Singh/AFP/Getty Images
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