Lok Sabha Question No. 4183 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Concession for Sportsperson/Senior Citizens/Journalists in Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Anil Yeshwant Desai, Shri Jagadish Shettar, Shri Kodikunnil Suresh

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## 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)

(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.

-  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.

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