Bright prospects for a resumption of concession in train travel for senior Citizens?!
Posted on: 28/Jul/2022 12:03:09 PM
Earlier, a concession was given to the senior citizens undertaking train travel. Male citizens over 60 years of age were given a concession of 40% of the fare and female citizens above 58 years of age were given a concession of 50% of the train fare!
As such, all senior citizens were availing of this benefit!
However, due to the advent/impact and extent of the coronavirus pandemic and its spread which commenced 2 years ago in 2020, this concession was withdrawn!
There were a lot of protests from various groups on this withdrawal!
In the above situation, the news is gathered that this concession for the senior citizens on train travel is being resumed but with a lot of regulations by the Indian Railways and it has been earnestly reviewing this in-depth!
In the revised resumption, concession on train fares will be given to senior citizens above 70 years of age!
With this, the concession given to senior citizens is NOT TOTALLY DONE AWAY! At the same time, the financial burden borne by the Indian Railways on this cause will also reduce to a certain extent!
Further, on review, it has been decided that this concession will be valid only for the senior citizens travelling in the non-air-conditioned with berth and in the common coach!
It is observed generally that over 70% of the travelling senior citizens will avail of this benefit and enjoy the concession!
On another issue, regarding the premium `Tatkal` system which the passengers avail of paying additional charges, it is learnt that this premium Tatkal facility will be extended to all other trains as well!
HOWEVER, IT IS LEARNT THAT ALL THESE ABOVE PROPOSALS ARE STILL IN THE REVIEW STAGE AND A DECISION IS YET TO BE TAKEN!
It is indeed noteworthy that while discussing g the issues of Railways in the parliament, the Central Railway Minister Ashbin Vishnu shared that the concessions result in an additional loss for the Railways! As such, it is NOT desirable to expand the various concessions including the ones offered for all the senior citizens!
