New Delhi: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has reaffirmed that India continues to offer one of the most affordable railway ticket systems in the world, far cheaper than those in developed and even neighbouring nations. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, he revealed that the Indian Railways provided a massive ₹60,000-crore subsidy last year to keep fares low for the public.
The minister was responding to a query from Congress MP MK Vishnu Prasad, who sought clarity on whether the government intends to reinstate senior citizen concessions that were discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Vaishnaw did not directly address the restoration of these concessions, minister stressed that Indian train fares amount to only 5–10% of the fares in developed countries, making rail travel accessible to millions.Minister also noted that, compared to neighbouring nations, India still charges the most affordable rates.
The minister added that the enormous subsidy was part of the government’s commitment to ensuring smooth, accessible, and affordable travel for all passengers.
