At one time, Indian Railways used to give discounts on tickets to senior citizens. But since the Corona period, that discount has been removed. So far that exemption has not been reinstated. Senior passengers have repeatedly informed the Railways about their difficulties. Action has also been taken by the railways. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has opened up about this.
Indian Railways stopped giving discount on tickets to senior citizens during Corona. The reason given by the Railways is that it is incurring huge losses. All kinds of discounts have been given for that. However, recently the Railways has given an information about the income. They said that the current financial year is going to be very beneficial for them. Till January 2023, the revenue of Railways from goods transportation has been Tk 135387 crore.
Railway revenue has increased by 16 percent compared to the same period last year. Railways have transported 134.07 megatons of goods till last January. In January 2022 it was 129.12 Mt. That is, compared to last year, the railway has transported 4 percent more goods this year. Railways has earned much better income in the current financial year than last year. Railway revenue in January 2022 was Tk 13172 crore. On the other hand, the revenue of Railways this year is Tk 14907 crore. As a result, there has been a 13 percent improvement in the railway’s earnings compared to earlier.
Due to this increase in revenue of the railways, the passengers have again demanded discount on senior tickets. Before Corona, Railways used to give 50 to 60 percent discount on tickets for senior citizens. The Central Railway Minister has given an answer in this regard. In reply to a written question in the Rajya Sabha, Ashwini Vaishnav said that this exemption will be restored very soon.
In 2019-20, Railways gave subsidy of Tk 59 thousand 837 crore on tickets. An average of about 53 percent discount per passenger traveling. Railway Board informed that there is a plan to give concession on fares to senior citizens. This discount may be different than before. The Standing Committee is working on this. At least senior citizens traveling in sleeper and AC 3rd tiers are advised to get discounted tickets. The parliamentary panel has also recommended this.