Why Are Senior Citizens No Longer Eligible for Concessional Travel on Indian Railways?

Despite the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government is moving ahead with a policy change that significantly affects senior citizens. The travel sector, including Indian Railways, is currently grappling with financial losses due to the pandemic. However, the government is now reconsidering how to provide support to senior citizens/post-pandemic.

Recent Changes in Indian Railways Ticket Booking Rules

Recently, Indian Railways announced that the concession previously extended to senior citizens will no longer be available. This change is concerning to many, as it affects individuals who, before the pandemic, could enjoy significant discounts on their journeys.

Details of the New Rule

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw disclosed that senior citizens will no longer receive the previously available discounts on rail tickets. This decision comes after the suspension of such concessions for two years during the height of the pandemic. Vaishnaw has clarified this in a recent press conference in Chennai, where he reasserted the hike in ticket prices for senior citizens.

Previous Concession Details

Before the pandemic, men over 60 years of age received a 40% discount on train tickets, while women over 58 received a 50% discount. Together, these concessions significantly impacted how seniors could travel affordably.

Current Ticket Pricing and Costs

According to Vaishnaw, Indian Railways is already offering tickets at a subsidised price. He noted that passengers are charged only Rs 45 per ticket, while the actual operational cost to the government is Rs 100 per ticket.

Financial Implications for Indian Railways

The government's decision to remove senior citizen concessions is rooted in the substantial financial burden these concessions impose on the railways. Reports indicate that Indian Railways incurs a loss of Rs 2000 crore annually from the 53 concessions it provides. Senior citizens' concessions alone account for 80% of this total. In the two-year period when these concessions were suspended, the railways earned an additional Rs 1500 crore in revenue.

Public Reactions and Considerations

Some may view this as a necessary move to alleviate financial strain on Indian Railways, but others feel that senior citizens should still be offered some discounts due to their age and the impact of these changes on their travel budgets.

This is not the only issue the government is facing, as developments like the construction of Central Vista and the River Bank Restoration project continue to dominate the news.

The Future and Considerations

It remains to be seen how the government and Indian Railways will navigate this issue. The upcoming elections could play a significant role in shaping policy decisions. For now, the government has taken a step back and relaxed its approach, indicating that the situation might change in the future.

For more updates on this and the latest in Indian Railways news, visit Indian Railways Official Website.