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Journalism of Courage
Train concession for senior citizens: It has been over five years since Indian Railways withdrew the concession for senior citizens travelling by train. In a statement on March 19, 2020, the national transporter announced the decision citing travel-related risks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In order to contain the spread of COVID-19 virus and to minimise the travel-related risks to elderly citizens, Indian Railways has taken steps to discourage senior citizens from undertaking non-essential journeys by removing special incentives which presently exist for their travel.
“Indian Railways has done this by withdrawing concessional booking of tickets to senior citizens for Unreserved & Reserved segment form 00:00 hrs of 20th March till further advisory. This step has been taken to discourage them from making non-essential journeys,” the railways had said.
However, despite other pandemic curbs being lifted, the Ministry of Railways has not yet reinstated the concession for senior citizens. The issue has been raised multiple times by Members of Parliament, urging the government to bring back the benefit.
In the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament, Rajya Sabha MPs Dr John Brittas, Sandosh Kumar P, and Milind Murli Deora once again raised the matter with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The MPs questioned the government and sought reasons for not reinstating the concessions extended to senior citizens. They also inquired whether the government plans to reintroduce the concession for senior citizens this year.
Responding to this, Vaishnaw on Friday (July 31, 2025) in a written statement said that Parliament Standing Committee on Railways has advised to review and consider concession to senior citizens at least in sleeper and 3 AC.
He added that the government provide affordable services to all strata of the society and gave subsidy of Rs. 60,466 crore on passenger tickets in 2023-24.
“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% on an average, to every person, travelling on Railways,” the Railway Minister replies.
On subsidy, he stated that it is continuing for all passengers. “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,” the minister added.
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