New Delhi, 12-01-2024 : Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed concerns over restoring pre-Covid fare concessions for senior citizens and media persons, stating that every train passenger currently enjoys a 55% concession on their journeys. During a press briefing in Ahmedabad, Vaishnaw refrained from directly addressing the restoration of specific concessions, emphasizing the existing 55% discount offered to all passengers.
The Railway Minister’s comments come in response to persistent demands to reinstate the pre-Covid fare concessions, which included a 50% discount on train fares for senior citizens and government-accredited journalists before the lockdown imposed in March 2020. Despite the full-fledged resumption of railway operations in June 2022, these concessions were not reinstated, leading to discussions and debates in various forums, including parliamentary sessions.
While in Ahmedabad to review the progress of the ongoing bullet train project and other matters, Vaishnaw reiterated the stance he has maintained in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, emphasizing the existing 55% concession applicable to all train passengers. This response has become a consistent refrain from the Railway Minister when confronted with queries about the restoration of specific concessions.
Vaishnaw illustrated the current scenario by stating, “If a train ticket to a destination costs Rs 100, Railway is charging only Rs 45. It is giving Rs 55 concession.” This explanation seeks to highlight the significant discount already provided to passengers on their train fares.