Question : Levy on Train Tickets

(a)whether the Government is using COVID-19 pandemic as a shield to implement anti-people policies in Indian Railways and is aiming at privatizing it;

(b) if so whether the Government has taken any decision to impose levy on train tickets in order to fund the development of selected railway stations in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof including the names of railway stations in Kerala wherein passengers have to pay the levy on train tickets;

(d) whether the Government intends to revoke the above said decision in public interest and if not, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether, the Government is likely to consider restoring the pre-existing concession available for senior citizens in ticket fares as the train traffic has come almost to pre-COVID levels; and

(f) if not, the reason therefor?

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (f): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 569 BY ADV. A.M. ARIFF TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 20.07.2022 REGARDING LEVY ON TRAIN TICKETS.


(a) No, Sir.

(b) to (d) Do not arise.

(e) & (f) Indian Railways is already bearing more than 50% of the cost of travel on an average for all passengers including senior citizens on account of lower fare structure for passenger services. Apart from this due to COVID-19, passenger earnings for the last two years are less in comparison to 2019-2020. These have long term impact on the financial health of the Railways. Cost of granting concessions weighs heavily on Railways. Hence extending scope of concessions to all categories of passengers including senior citizens is not desirable. In spite of these challenges, Indian Railways has continued concession in fare to four categories of persons with disabilities, eleven categories of patients and students.

*****