Indian Railways- Soon the Indian Railways may again consider giving fare concessions to senior citizen passengers in Sleeper and Third AC. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav told the Rajya Sabha on Friday that the Standing Committee of Railways has recommended restoring concessions for the elderly.
Government responded to the demand of MPs
Many MPs in Rajya Sabha asked the government when the concessions given to the elderly will be restored. On this, the minister said that the committee has asked to reconsider the concessions especially in sleeper and third AC class. The minister said that ‘the standing committee of the railway has suggested that the fare concession to senior citizens should be reconsidered at least in sleeper and third AC.’
How much discount was available earlier?
Before the Covid pandemic, Indian Railways used to give 40 per cent discount to men above 60 years of age and 50 per cent discount to women above 58 years of age. This discount was applicable on all trains like Mail, Express and Rajdhani, but this facility was discontinued after the pandemic.
What is the latest situation of the railways?
Minister Vaishnav said that the railways are already giving an average subsidy of 45 percent to all passengers. That is, if the cost of travel is Rs 100, then on an average onlyRs 55 is charged from the passengers. Apart from this, special discounts are still being given for the disabled, cancer and other patients, and students. He said that the railways is always striving to provide cheap services to the general public.
The government has not yet restored the senior citizen concession, but by accepting the review, it has definitely indicated that elderly passengers may get relief again in the coming days.