Resumption of Train Fare Concessions Urged for Senior Citizens and Journalists

Members of Parliament have called on the government to reinstate the 50 per cent concession on train fares for senior citizens and journalists, which was withdrawn during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the debate on Demands for Grants for Railways, lawmakers emphasized the importance of restoring these concessions, as well as addressing other critical issues within the railway sector, such as safety and privatization concerns.

Members of Parliament on Wednesday once again urged the government to reinstate the 50 per cent concession on train fares for senior citizens and journalists that was discontinued due to the Covid pandemic.

During the debate on Demands for Grants for Railways in the Lok Sabha, Independent MP Pappu Yadav requested the government to resume the concessions. Durai Vaiko (MDMK) also highlighted the issue, noting that the concessions, which were provided until March 2020, have yet to be restored.

'I urge the honourable minister to restore this 50 per cent concession on train tickets to senior citizens and media,' Vaiko stated. He also requested the government to reintroduce the monthly seasonal ticket concession for students.

Before the March 2020 lockdown, Indian Railways offered a 50 per cent concession on train fares to senior citizens and accredited journalists. Yadav also pressed the government to improve train safety and basic amenities and increase the number of general compartments.

Yadav further suggested a 75 per cent concession for students traveling for competitive exams and called for resumed concessions for theatre artists. Sudama Prasad (CPI-ML) demanded an end to what he termed as 'privatisation' of the railways and called for a separate railway budget. Francis George (Kerala Congress) echoed this sentiment.

A parliamentary standing committee recommended last year that fare concessions for senior citizens should resume, once granted across various classes of trains but withdrawn on March 20, 2020.