Delhi: In a positive development for train travelers, Indian Railways is considering the restoration of concessions for senior citizens, which were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced in the Rajya Sabha that the Standing Committee has recommended reviewing and reinstating the concessions for senior citizens in sleeper and third AC classes.
The parliamentary panel has urged the restoration of railway ticket discounts for senior citizens.
During a session on Friday, the Railway Minister disclosed that Indian Railways provided a subsidy of Rs 59,837 crore on passenger tickets in the fiscal year 2019-20, resulting in an average concession of approximately 53% per person.
Possible changes in concession rules are on the horizon as the Railway Board plans to grant concessions to senior citizens while considering cost reduction without compromising the subsidy for them.
Currently, specific terms and conditions are yet to be finalized.
53% Discount Available
As per information from the Ministry of Railways, all passengers enjoy an average discount of 53% on train fares.
Additionally, concessions are available for Divyangjans (people with disabilities), students, and patients, apart from the general discount.
Which Classes Will Receive the Discount?
During the Rajya Sabha session, the Railway Minister was asked whether the Railways intends to reintroduce ticket discounts.
In response, Ashwini Vaishnav stated that Indian Railways granted a subsidy of Rs 59,837 crore on passenger tickets in 2019-20.
Furthermore, the parliamentary committee associated with the Parliament has proposed providing concessions to senior citizens traveling in sleeper and third AC classes.
In a reply to BJP MP Sushil Modi’s question about waiving a subsidy worth Rs 670 crore, the minister revealed that the revenue from passenger fare concessions for senior citizens was approximately Rs 1,491 crore in 2017-18, Rs 1,636 crore in 2018-19, and Rs 1,667 crore in 2019-20.
In 2017-18, a subsidy of Rs 670 crore was waived for senior citizens in non-AC class trains, while Rs 820 crore was spent on subsidy in AC classes.
In 2018-19, Rs 714 crore was spent on these concessions in non-AC classes, and Rs 921 crore in AC classes.
For the fiscal year 2019-20, there was a discount of Rs 701 crore for non-AC class and Rs 965 crore for AC class passengers.