Rail passengers, who have not experienced much of a fare hike in the past eight years, will be in for a shock when they buy ticket for journeys with effect from April 1, much as the Trinamool Congress has raised the red flag against its own Minister on the issue.

The “rationalisation” of fare is harsh on the short-distance traveller who will have to bear up to a 150 per cent increase, while the higher class passengers will be burdened with a hike by about 30 per cent.