Several MPs on Monday urged the government to restore concessional train fares for senior citizens and journalists, a benefit withdrawn during the COVID-19 pandemic, during a debate in the Lok Sabha on the demands for grants of the Ministry of Railways.
Initiating the discussion, Tariq Anwar of the Indian National Congress said the suspension of the concessions had caused disappointment among affected groups, particularly the elderly.
“I urge the railway minister to clarify when the concessions given in the train tickets to the senior citizens will be restored,” Anwar said.
Echoing similar concerns, June Maliah of the All India Trinamool Congress urged the government to reinstate the concessions for senior citizens, journalists and cultural activists at the earliest.
“These concessions are gestures of respect for individuals who contribute to the social, cultural and democratic life of our country,” she said.
Before the pandemic-induced lockdown in March 2020, Indian Railways provided concessions on fares across Mail, Express, Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains. Male and transgender senior citizens were entitled to a 40 per cent concession, while women received a 50 per cent discount.
Government-accredited journalists were eligible for a 50 per cent concession on fares, which was also extended twice a year to their spouses or companions and children up to 18 years of age.
The concessions were withdrawn on 20 March 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19. A parliamentary standing committee had recommended in 2023 that the benefit for senior citizens be reinstated.
During the debate, Anwar also raised concerns about railway finances and safety measures. He said revenue had declined while allocations for Kavach—the indigenously developed automatic train protection system, were insufficient.
Also read: ECI announces Assembly poll schedule for 4 states, Puducherry
The Congress MP further criticised the progress of railway station redevelopment projects, noting that around Rs 12,000 crore was being allocated annually but the pace of work under schemes such as the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was unsatisfactory.
Maliah alleged uneven budget allocations, claiming that West Bengal had received less funding compared to other states. She stressed that development must be evenly distributed and raised concerns about safety across the railway network. She also referred to financial irregularities of Rs 543 crore flagged by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Kaushalendra Kumar of the Janata Dal (United) also supported restoring concessions and called for an increase in sleeper coaches that were reduced during the pandemic to make travel affordable for poorer passengers.
Arvind Sawant of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) urged the government to consider doubling the Konkan railway line and proposed installing a statue of Shivaji at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Responding to the broader discussion, Ganesh Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for introducing new technology, expanding infrastructure and improving passenger comfort.
He said major projects such as the Udhampur–Baramulla railway line and the Chenab Bridge had significantly enhanced connectivity, while modern trains like Vande Bharat Express had improved speed and travel experience.
Singh also noted increased funding for railway expansion in the Northeast and highlighted plans for a tunnel in the Siliguri Corridor to ensure uninterrupted rail connectivity to the region.
Follow us
