Ahmedabad: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed concerns related to fare concessions for train passengers, asserting that every traveler presently benefits from a substantial 55% concession on their journey. The minister’s clarification comes in response to demands for the reinstatement of pre-COVID fare concessions for specific groups.
Explaining the current concession policy, Vaishnaw highlighted that if a train ticket is priced at Rs 100, the railway charges only Rs 45, providing a noteworthy Rs 55 concession to all passengers. This policy applies universally, ensuring a significant reduction in the cost of travel for everyone.
Before the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, the Indian Railways had implemented a 50% concession on train fares for specific categories, including senior citizens and government-accredited journalists. Despite the resumption of full-fledged railway operations in June 2022, these concessions were not reinstated, leading to discussions in both houses of parliament.
Vaishnaw, who was in Ahmedabad to review various railway projects, including the progress of the bullet train initiative, reiterated the government’s position on the existing 55% concession for all train passengers.
