Railways Cancelling All Concessions For Students, Senior Citizens? Here Is The Truth (Official Statement)

Since last few days, rumors are floating on the social media that Indian Railways is cancelling all concessions applicable on their train tickets.

If we believe the reports, first published in a regional newspaper, then Indian Railways is removing 38 types of different concessions for students, senior citizens, physically challenged, journalists and more.

What is the truth?

Keep reading to find out more!

Indian Railways Respond To Rumors About Concession Removal

As per Indian Railways, the concessions for 38 out of 53 categories of passengers have not been withdrawn, and will never be withdrawn.

However, due to coronavirus impact, regular trains are not running, hence the concessions are not also not applicable, except few.

This has been done to dissuade passengers from travelling in the trains, and stop the infections.

A Railways Official said: “The report is absolutely far from the facts and grossly twisted.  All concessions were withdrawn due to COVID-19, except some students and some with certain health conditions. The only motive was and is to discourage people from unnecessary travel. These restrictions are under constant review and will be thoroughly reviewed as trains services are restored to normal,” (Source)

The spokesperson also said that MLA and MPs do not get any concession on rail travel, since their travel expenditure is covered by the Legislative and Parliament rules.

Hence, the reports that Railways is stopping concessions on train tickets is false, and without any substance.

The only truth is that, the concessions have been temporary stopped, and it’s expected that as soon as regular train movement starts, the concessions will also start applying for the eligible passengers.

Which Rail Concessions Are Valid As Of Now?

As per the statement issued, concessions for students are still active, along with concessions for passengers with serious health issues.

Except these, all concessions stand suspended as of now, but will be reviewed as soon as regular train movement starts.

Railways provide 53 types of rail concessions to different categories which includes:

Divyangjan (differently-abled persons)

11 categories of patients, 

youths, 

kisans, 

artists, 

sportspersons, 

medical professionals, 

senior citizens, 

awardees, 

war widows, 

Students

press correspondents.

We will keep you updated, as more details come in