Parliament Question: Concession for Sportsperson/Senior Citizens/Journalists in Railways

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4183 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026 CONCESSION FOR SPORTSPERSON/SENIOR CITIZENS/JOURNALISTS IN RAILWAYS 4183. SHRI ANIL YESHWANT DESAI: SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH: SHRI JAGADISH SHETTAR: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) the details of the present concessions that are available to sports persons and senior citizens during train journeys; (b) whether the Government is aware of the impact on sportspersons due to non-continuation of railway concessions especially for those participating in National and State Tournaments; (c) if so, the details of the assessment if any, carried out by the Government; (d) whether any representations/suggestions/demands have also been received from the Sportspersons/Members of Parliament/Senior Citizens/Civil Organisations for the re-introduction/restoration of the concession and if so, the details thereof; (e) whether the Government proposes to reintroduce the concession, either fully or partially, particularly for economically weaker senior citizens, journalist and other categories and if so, the details thereof and the measures being taken including the timeline; and (f) the details of the status of the implementation of mechanized cleaning and AI-based surveillance in non-AC coaches to improve hygiene and security? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) --2/- §-2- (a) to (f): Indian Railways strives to provide affordable services to all strata of the society and gave subsidy of Rs. 60,239 cr on passenger tickets in 2024-25. This amounts to concession of 43% 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. 57 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. Proposals/requests/suggestions/representations, both formal and informal for different facilities/Works across the country are received from State Governments, Members of Parliament, Ministries of Central Government, elected representatives, Railways' own requirements, organizations/rail users etc. at various levels including Railway Board, Zonal Railways, Division Office etc. As receipt of such proposals/complaints/suggestions is a continuous and dynamic process, centralized compendium of such requests is not maintained. However, these are examined and action as found feasible and justified is taken from time to time. Cleanliness is a continuous process and Indian Railway (IR) makes every endeavour to keep the trains in properly maintained and clean condition. Some of the major steps taken to ensure cleanliness and hygiene in the running trains, are as under:-  Mechanized Coach Cleaning is being ensured during primary maintenance for better cleaning of the coach including interior, exterior and toilets. --/3--3-  On-Board Housekeeping Staff Service is provided in identified Mail/Express trains for cleaning of coach toilets, doorways, aisles and passenger compartments during the run of the trains.  Clean Train Station service has been introduced for mechanized cleaning in identified trains during their scheduled stoppage enroute. Dedicated team of staff equipped with high pressure jet machines and cleaning equipment carries out cleaning of coach toilets.  Digital monitoring systems, including Rail Madad and Coach Maintenance Management (CMM) portal, are being utilized to monitor complaints and ensure prompt redressal of cleanliness related issues.  Provision of dustbins.  Installation of bio-toilets in passenger coaches. Indian Railways has taken up the work of installation of CCTV cameras in coaches and locomotives with the purpose of improving safety and security of the passengers. The provision of CCTV cameras is expected to deter miscreant activities, vandalism, thefts and also assist in investigation of the incidents. Accordingly, Zonal Railways and Production Units have initiated action for procurement and installation of CCTV cameras in coaches and locomotives. Presently, approximately 12,300 coaches (including all operational rakes of Vande Bharat & Amrit Bharat trains) & 460 locomotives, plying over IR’s network, are equipped with CCTV cameras. *****