Indian Railways may soon restore fare concessions for senior citizens in sleeper, third AC : Govt assures review

Some MPs raised the issue of the restoration of concessions to senior citizens in trains and asked the minister for recommendations of the parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways in this regard.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday informed the Rajya Sabha that the Standing Committee on Railways has recommended a review of fare concessions for senior citizens, particularly in sleeper and 3AC classes.

Responding to queries from Members of Parliament regarding the status of concessions, the minister noted that the committee had advised examining the matter afresh. Several MPs urged the government to reinstate the travel concessions that were previously available to elderly passengers.

"Standing Committee on Railways has advised to review and consider concession to senior citizens at least in sleeper and 3AC,” Vaishnaw said in a written reply.

"Indian Railways strives to provide affordable services to all strata of the society and gave subsidy of Rs 60,466 crore on passenger tickets in 2023-24. This amounts to concession of 45 per cent on an average, to every person, travelling on Railways,” responding to the questions regarding the reasons for not reinstating the concessions extended to senior citizens, Vaishnaw said.

In other words, if the cost of providing service is Rs 100, then the price of ticket is Rs 55 only. This subsidy is continuing for all passengers. Further, concessions beyond this subsidy amount are continuing for many categories like 4 categories of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjans), 11 categories of patients and 8 categories of students,” he said.

*With Agency Inputs