Soon, the Indian Railways may consider giving fare concessions to senior citizen passengers again in Sleeper and Third AC. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav told the Rajya Sabha on Friday that the Standing Committee of Railways has recommended restoring concessions for the elderly again.

The government responded to the demand of MPs

Many MPs in the Rajya Sabha asked the government when the concessions given to the elderly will be restored. On this, the minister said that the committee has specifically asked to reconsider the concession in Sleeper and Third AC classes. The minister said that 'The Standing Committee of Railways has suggested that senior citizens should be reconsidered on giving fare concessions at least in Sleeper and Third AC.'

How much discount was available earlier?

Before the COVID-19 epidemic, Indian Railways used to give a 40 percent discount to men above 60 years of age and a 50 percent discount to women above 58 years of age. This discount was applicable on all trains like Mail, Express, and Rajdhani, but this facility was discontinued since the pandemic.

What is the latest status of Railways?

Minister Vaishnav said that the railways are already giving an average subsidy of 45 percent to all passengers. That is, if the cost of travel is ₹ 100, then on average, only ₹ 55 is charged from the passengers. Apart from this, special discounts are still being given for Divyang, cancer, and other patients, and students. He said that the railways is always trying to provide cheap services to the general public.

A ray of hope

The government has not restored the senior citizen discount at the moment, but by accepting the review, it has definitely indicated that elderly passengers may get relief again in the coming days.

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