Kolkata, Oct 9 (IANS): Condemning the hike in railway fares, including the Metro railways here, the Trinamool Congress Wednesday urged people not to shell out the additional fare as a mark of protest.

"The hike is completely unethical and unacceptable, especially during the festive season. It will enhance the burden on the common man, who is already reeling under price rise and inflation. I urge people not to shell out the additional fare," Trinamool general secretary and former railways minister Mukul Roy told media persons here.

The railways hiked passenger fare by two percent from Oct 6-7 midnight, while the fares of the Kolkata Metro Railway too have been raised effective from Oct 18.

"The hike in Metro rail fare ranges between 100 to 125 percent. It is unacceptable. This government is anti-people. There was no fare hike when the railway was with the Trinamool," said Roy, who will lead a protest rally Thursday against the hike.

Roy criticised the United Progressive Alliance government at the centre for its policies, saying the country was facing unprecedented economic crisis because of its policies.