Senior Citizen Discount Can Restart for Sleeper, 3AC Tickets
The Indian Railways has been a lifeline for millions of Indians, providing a convenient and affordable mode of transportation across the country. The railway network is one of the largest in the world, with over 12,000 trains running daily. However, with the increasing passenger traffic and the financial burden of passenger subsidies, the Indian Railways has been exploring ways to optimize its resources. Recently, the Standing Committee on Railways has recommended restoring concessions for senior citizens in Sleeper and 3AC classes. This news has been acknowledged by the Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Rajya Sabha, citing the financial burden of passenger subsidies.
As of now, Indian Railways offers a 45% average subsidy to all travelers. Additionally, they continue to provide extra concessions for Divyangjans, students, and patients. However, in 2019, the Indian Railways withdrew the senior citizen discount for Sleeper and 3AC classes, citing financial constraints. This move was met with widespread criticism from the senior citizen community, who felt that they were being unfairly targeted.
The Standing Committee on Railways has now recommended reinstating the senior citizen discount for Sleeper and 3AC classes. The committee has suggested that this move will not only benefit the senior citizens but also help to boost the economy by encouraging more people to travel. The Railway Minister has acknowledged the recommendation and has stated that the decision to restore the concession will be taken after considering the financial implications.
The senior citizen discount was first introduced by the Indian Railways in 2013. At that time, the discount was available for all classes of travel, including AC classes. However, in 2019, the Indian Railways withdrew the discount for Sleeper and 3AC classes, citing financial constraints. The decision was taken after the railway ministry conducted a review of its passenger concession policy.
The move to withdraw the senior citizen discount was met with widespread criticism from the senior citizen community. Many felt that they were being unfairly targeted and that the decision was discriminatory. The senior citizen community had been enjoying the discount for many years, and the sudden withdrawal of the concession came as a shock to many.
The withdrawal of the senior citizen discount had a significant impact on the senior citizen community. Many were forced to pay full fare for their tickets, which was a significant burden for them. The senior citizen community had been relying on the discount to fund their travel expenses, and the sudden withdrawal of the concession had a significant impact on their finances.
The reinstatement of the senior citizen discount for Sleeper and 3AC classes is a welcome move for the senior citizen community. It will not only benefit the senior citizens but also help to boost the economy by encouraging more people to travel. The senior citizen discount is a significant incentive for seniors to travel, and the reinstatement of the discount will encourage more seniors to use the railway network.
The decision to restore the senior citizen discount is also a recognition of the importance of senior citizens in Indian society. Senior citizens are an important segment of the population, and they play a significant role in the economy and society. The reinstatement of the senior citizen discount is a small but important step towards recognizing the contributions of senior citizens to Indian society.
In conclusion, the reinstatement of the senior citizen discount for Sleeper and 3AC classes is a welcome move for the senior citizen community. It will not only benefit the senior citizens but also help to boost the economy by encouraging more people to travel. The senior citizen discount is a significant incentive for seniors to travel, and the reinstatement of the discount will encourage more seniors to use the railway network.
Source: https://trak.in/stories/senior-citizen-discount-can-re-start-for-sleeper-3ac-tickets/
