New Delhi : The concession given to senior citizens in railway fare may be restored soon. Railway Minister can soon give this good news to the people waiting for this announcement in the budget. It is believed that the Railways can again restore this facility for senior citizens. In fact, in view of the poor financial condition during the Kovid epidemic, the Railways had stopped the concession in fares for all except three categories, including senior citizens. Before the pandemic, citizens above 60 years of age used to get 50 per cent exemption. Now this relief to the senior citizens has not been restored even after the threat of COVID-19 has subsided and all other activities are completely normal in the country.
Meanwhile, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, while replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha, said that the Railways may soon restore the exemption given to senior citizens. He told the Rajya Sabha that the Indian Railways subsidized Rs 59,837 crore on passenger tickets in 2019-20, which is an average concession of about 53 per cent for each person traveling.
The Railway Board said that it is planning to give concession in fares to senior citizens. Railway is still considering this matter, but can make some changes in its rules. At present, the Standing Committee is considering it. Senior citizens are advised to review at least sleeper and 3 ac concession. At the same time, the parliamentary panel has also recommended that the concession on railway tickets to senior citizens should be restored.
