The Indian Railway Ministry’s decision to suspend travel concessions for senior citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a topic of much debate. Despite various organizations and opposition MPs calling for the reinstatement of these discounts, the government has taken a firm stance.
Key Points:
- Suspension of Concessions: The Railway Ministry had halted fare concessions for senior citizens amid the pandemic.
- Demands for Reinstatement: Various organizations and opposition members in Parliament had demanded the restoration of these concessions.
- Government’s Decision: The government has decided not to reinstate the fare concessions for passengers, as reported by Dainik Bhaskar.
- Subsidized Tickets: The Railway Minister indicated that railways are already providing subsidized tickets, offering a ₹100 ticket for ₹55.
- Exclusions: Certain serious medical conditions, such as cancer, will still be eligible for fare concessions.
Full Story:
In a move that has sparked discussion across the nation, the Railway Ministry’s decision to discontinue fare concessions for senior citizens, which had been paused during the coronavirus pandemic, has been upheld. This decision comes after numerous appeals from different organizations and even opposition MPs in Parliament, who raised the issue, advocating for the return of these benefits.
According to a report published in Dainik Bhaskar, the government, after considering the demands, has resolved not to restore the fare discounts for passengers. This decision was made despite the fact that prior to the pandemic, women over the age of 58 and men over 60 were eligible for fare discounts. The Railway Ministry had stopped these concessions from March 2020 as a response to the pandemic.
The Railway Minister, in a recent event, highlighted that the railways are already offering a significant subsidy, providing tickets valued at ₹100 for just ₹55. He emphasized that the railways have been subsidizing tickets and that this practice will continue. However, additional discounts beyond these subsidies are deemed unfeasible.
While the general reinstatement of concessions has been ruled out, the railways have made exceptions for passengers with serious illnesses, such as cancer, who will continue to receive fare discounts. Looking ahead, the Railway Ministry has promised to enhance facilities, such as prioritizing lower berths for the elderly and women without any extra charges, to ensure comfort and convenience for these groups in their travel experiences
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