Members of Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) protested against the railway fare increase in front of Dharwad Railway Station on Friday. SUCI(C) district secretary Laxman Jadagannavar said the railway, built with public money, is meant to serve people. But the government raised fares unfairly, citing staff costs. "Last year also the Railway authorities increased railway fares on the same pretext," he said. Jadagannavar called the fare hike "anti-people" and said railway journeys have become a nightmare due to rising accidents and poor maintenance. "The authorities have failed to take the requisite steps to improve services and the condition of railway coaches on a majority of the railway routes," he added. He noted the Union government will earn ₹600 crore more from the hike but passengers’ problems will continue. He urged an immediate rollback of fare increases. Jadagannavar also demanded better passenger safety, punctuality, and amenities. SUCI(C) district committee member Gangadhar Badiger stressed the need to add more general and sleeper coaches for the public's benefit. Protest leaders included Thayidas M.B., Deepa Dharwad, Sharanu Gonawar, Madhulatha Goudar, Bhavanishankar Goudar, and Ganga Kokare. A memorandum for Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was submitted to the Station Master after the protest.