Ahmedabad
In response to persistent demands for the reinstatement of pre-COVID fare concessions for senior citizens and journalists, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the matter during a visit to Ahmedabad to oversee the progress of the bullet train project. While he did not directly address the restoration of specific concessions, Vaishnaw emphasized that every train passenger is already benefiting from a substantial 55% concession on their journey.
Prior to the nationwide lockdown in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian Railways had provided a 50% fare concession to senior citizens and government-accredited journalists. However, despite the resumption of full railway operations in June 2022, these concessions were not reinstated, sparking discussions and debates across various platforms, including in parliament.
Railway Minister Vaishnaw consistently maintained his stance on the matter in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, reiterating during a press briefing in Ahmedabad that if a train ticket to a destination costs Rs 100, the Railway is effectively charging only Rs 45, providing a Rs 55 concession to each passenger.
During the financial year 2022-23, in response to a Right to Information (RTI) application, the Indian Railways disclosed that it earned approximately Rs 2,242 crore from around 15 crore senior citizens. This information highlights the significant impact of the existing fare structure on the revenue generated by the Railways.
The ongoing discussions and debates surrounding fare concessions for specific groups have brought attention to the broader question of equitable pricing and concessions in the context of railway travel. As the railway infrastructure continues to evolve, stakeholders are closely watching how the Ministry of Railways navigates these demands while ensuring the financial sustainability of the railway system.
Minister Vaishnaw’s recent visit to Ahmedabad not only focused on the fare concession issue but also included a comprehensive review of the progress of the bullet train project, which has been a flagship initiative aimed at transforming the country’s rail infrastructure. The minister’s statements suggest a firm commitment to the current fare structure, leaving the question of specific concessions for senior citizens and journalists unanswered for the time being.
