Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Says No Train Ticket Concessions Restoration Anytime Soon

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw categorically said in the Rajya Sabha that the government is not considering giving refunds or concessions on train tickets at present.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw | File Image

The price of rail tickets has increased since COVID-19 swept across the country. If you were expecting fare cuts on railway tickets, then this news may further disappoint you.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has made it clear that there are no plans being considered to reintroduce concessions on all railway tickets. He made it clear that the government is not planning to make any concessions on train tickets at the moment. Ever since COVID-19 swept across India, concessions on railway tickets have been abolished by the government.

In reply to a written question in the Rajya Sabha during the monsoon session of Parliament, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that concessions for passengers of all sections were abolished in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the government is not considering any proposal to resume these concessions.

All concessions were discontinued on March 20, 2020, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing protocols being enacted across the nation. These concessions include 4 types of concessions for the disabled and 11 concessions to patients and students.  

Indian Railways Provide 51 Types Of Concessions

A total of 51 types of concessions are given by Indian Railways to passengers, all of which have been discontinued since March 20, 2020. These concessions include concessions for senior citizens, disabled, students, teachers, war widows, awardees, artists, sportspersons, farmers, medical professionals, and youth.

All these categories of passengers have been exempted by Indian Railways from buying train tickets. Railways offer up to 50 percent discount, especially to senior citizens, on travel.