**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2820, addressed on August 6, 2025, the Ministry of Railways addressed concerns regarding the potential reinstatement of railway ticket concessions for senior citizens. The Minister of Railways, Information Broadcasting and Electronics Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, clarified the government's position.
While specific concessions for senior citizens are not currently being reconsidered, Indian Railways emphasizes its commitment to affordable travel for all citizens. In 2023-24, the Railways provided a total subsidy of Rs. 60,466 crore on passenger tickets, effectively amounting to a 45% concession for every passenger. This means the actual cost of service provision is Rs. 100, while the ticket price is Rs. 55. This general subsidy remains in effect for all passengers.
Furthermore, the Ministry stated that concessions exceeding this general subsidy continue to be provided to specific categories, including four categories of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjans), eleven categories of patients, and eight categories of students.
The response details that the discontinuation of specific senior citizen concessions was balanced against the backdrop of a substantial overall subsidy provided to all rail passengers, and the continued provision of targeted concessions to other vulnerable populations. The response also highlights that the government is bearing a significant financial burden by providing concessions to senior citizens and physically challenged persons in railway tickets.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Railways: The government ministry responsible for railways in India, answering the Lok Sabha question.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the question was raised.
Ashwini Vaishnaw: The Minister of Railways, Information Broadcasting and Electronics Information Technology answering the question.
Indian Railways: The state-owned railway company of India.
Senior Citizens: A category of passengers for whom railway ticket concessions were previously available and are being reconsidered.
Persons with Disabilities Divyangjans: A category of passengers who continue to receive concessions on railway tickets.
2023-24: The financial year in which Indian Railways provided a subsidy of Rs. 60,466 crore on passenger tickets.
Dr. Bachhav Shobha Dinesh: Member of Parliament who raised the unstarred question No. 2820 in Lok Sabha.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2820
TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.08.2025
CONCESSION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
2820. DR. BACHHAV SHOBHA DINESH:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Government is reconsidering to give concessions
in railway tickets to senior citizens;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) the manner in which the Government benefited from discontinuing the
concession of senior citizens in railway tickets and the reason for
discontinuing the concession; and
(d) the extent of financial burden on Government by giving concessions to
senior citizens and physically challenged persons in railway tickets?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (d): Indian Railways strives to provide affordable services to all strata
of the society and gave subsidy of Rs. 60,466 crore on passenger tickets in
2023-24. This amounts to concession of 45% on an average, to every person,
travelling on Railways. In other words, if the cost of providing service is Rs.
100, then the price of ticket is Rs. 55 only. This subsidy is continuing for all
passengers. Further, concessions beyond this subsidy amount are continuing
for many categories like 4 categories of Persons with Disabilities
(Divyangjans), 11 categories of patients and 8 categories of students.
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