New Delhi,
Members of the Lok Sabha Kalanidhi Veerasamy (DMK) and Deepak Adhikari (Trinamool Congress) raised questions in the Lok Sabha regarding the number of trains operating in the country, the concession given to senior citizens in trains and the facilities for senior citizens and women to get lower ‘berth’ (lower bed).
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav’s written reply to this yesterday said:- A total of 10,378 trains including 2,687 passenger trains and 2,032 express trains are being operated in the country. Fare concession for senior citizens withdrawn from 20-3-2020. In 2019-2020, the government provided a subsidy of Rs.59,837 crore for passenger tickets.
The concession to senior citizens resulted in revenue loss of around Rs 1,667 crore that year. Senior citizens and women above 45 years of age in trains are automatically allotted lower ‘berth’ at the time of booking even if they do not opt for it. It has 6 to 7 beds in sleeping compartment and 3 tier AC. The box has 4 to 5 beds and 2 floors with A.C. 3 to 4 beds will also be allotted in the compartment.
This is the answer.