Indian Railways provides substantial subsidies on ticket fares for all passengers traveling by train. Specific discounts are also available for senior citizens, students, and individuals with disabilities. However, many people are unaware of the exact amount of subsidy offered per ticket.
How much subsidy on Indian Railways ticket?
This question was addressed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Rajya Sabha. He stated that the Railways extends significant subsidies to passengers. The cost of traveling by train is Rs 1.38 per kilometer, yet passengers are only charged 73 paise. This indicates that the Railways is providing a subsidy of 47 percent to its passengers. During a discussion on the operations of the Ministry of Railways in the Rajya Sabha, Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that Indian Railways not only offers safe and improved services at reasonable fares but is also gaining recognition on a global scale.
He noted that train fares in India are lower than those in neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, while fares in Western nations are 10 to 20 times higher than in India. The Union Minister also mentioned that energy costs have remained stable despite the rising number of passengers and freight transport. Indian Railways is aiming to achieve ‘Scope 1 Net Zero’ by 2025 and ‘Scope 2 Net Zero’ by 2030. He announced that the export of engines produced at the Madhepura factory in Bihar will commence soon.
Currently, Indian Railways is exporting passenger coaches to Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, while engines are being sent to Mozambique, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Additionally, bogie underframes are being exported to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia, and propulsion parts are being shipped to France, Mexico, Germany, Spain, Romania, and Italy.