Indian Railways Labels Ticket Pricing as ‘Trade Secret’ Amid RTI Query

New Delhi: Indian Railways has sparked controversy by refusing to disclose how ticket rates are determined, citing the process as a "trade secret.' The statement came in response to an RTI query seeking details on fare calculation for various categories, including flexi and tatkal tickets.

The railway ministry’s reply stated that, under Section 8(1)(b) of the RTI Act, such information cannot be disclosed, claiming that sharing it could affect national security and railway privacy. The ministry added that ticket prices are set internally, like a business decides its rates, and the exact process will not be shared.

Critics argue that, as a public service under the central government with no direct competitors, the railways has an obligation to provide transparency to passengers. The refusal has triggered debates over public accountability and the right of citizens to know how fares for essential transport services are fixed.