Tiny item in today's newspaper. Seems that taxes are to be increased at Delhi airport by Rs. 200 on domestic fights and by Rs. 1300 on foreign flights. This is over and above extortionate taxes already being charged on airtravel and is to compensate the company improving the airport. Since the last two years private airlines have been teetering on the brink of insolvency, first due to increased oil prices and now due to the recession. Increasing taxes will further reduce air travel and may result in bankruptcies leaving only Air India which will survive inspite of bad management and terrible service because of taxpayer money. The national carrier may then be able to earn a profit as it has been merged with Indian Airlines. As people are forced to travel by trains Indian Railways will also make huge profits on undeservedly high ticket prices on air conditioned trains and by crooked practices such as selling half the tickets under Tatkal ( instant ) scheme at 20% premium thus forcing people to pay more for the same service. Of course all this is done in the name of the aam aadmi who will be offered cheap travel packed into Shtolypin cars in conditions not fit for animals. You do not have to look far for the gulag.