Many people have their livelihood dependent on Railways. This includes those who travel in suburban Railways and pay only 36% of the actual fare (remaining subsidized). Imagine how much Railways bear in suburban services of Mumbai and Kolkata!
While for 3AC ticket, you still pay 60% of the fare, most of the segment traveling in that class are middle class people. If I am not wrong, most of the earnings come from superfast and express trains which are slower and not that comfortable.
I am shocked why is IR not implementing non-fare revenues...
more... like advertisements? Why are these things still as announcements?
Anyway, It is a voluntary scheme. Once implemented, might not be taken back.