rail-panel-recommends-restoration-of-concessions-for-elderly

The Standing Committee on Railways has advised the government to review and consider reintroducing travel concessions for senior citizens, at least in sleeper and third AC classes, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

 

The recommendation comes amid growing demands from Members of Parliament and civil society to reinstate the benefit, which was withdrawn during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains suspended despite the return of normalcy in railway operations.

 

“Standing Committee on Railways has advised to review and consider concession to senior citizens at least in sleeper and 3AC,” Vaishnaw stated in a written reply.

 

Responding to questions about the rationale behind the continued suspension of the concessions, the minister cited the substantial financial burden already borne by the Indian Railways in subsidising passenger fares.

 

“Indian Railways strives to provide affordable services to all strata of the society and gave subsidy of Rs 60,466 crore on passenger tickets in 2023–24. This amounts to concession of 45 per cent on an average, to every person, travelling on Railways,” he explained.

Also read: Seven in 10 elderly Indian financially dependent, warns new study

 

“In other words, if the cost of providing service is Rs 100, then the price of ticket is Rs 55 only. This subsidy is continuing for all passengers,” he added.

 

The minister further noted that beyond this generalised subsidy, specific concessions continue to be provided to 23 categories of passengers. These include four categories of persons with disabilities (Divyangjans), eleven categories of patients, and eight categories of students.

 

The issue of reinstating concessions for senior citizens has surfaced repeatedly in Parliament since their suspension in 2020. Opposition parties and public interest groups have consistently urged the Railways to show compassion towards the elderly, many of whom depend on trains for affordable long-distance travel.

 

While the Railways has cited fiscal prudence in withholding the concession, the latest recommendation by the parliamentary panel is likely to intensify public and political pressure on the ministry to revisit its stance.