New Delhi: The Indian Railways offers a subsidy of Rs 56,993 crore every year to train travellers across categories, Raiwlay minister Ashiwni Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha in a written response to a question posed in the Upper House of Parliament. The Indian Railways rolled back certain discounts offered to travellers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fielding multiple questions related to the re-introduction of these discounts, Vaishnaw clarified that the Indian Railways already subsidise train travel. For every ticket priced at Rs 100, the Railways charges Rs 54 per passenger, Vaishnaw said to give a sense of the discount offered.
Union Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw said development of #AutomaticTrainProtection system ‘Kavach’ has been completed.
The Minister also said that Railways has aimed to subsidise travel for every passenger. All passengers are covered under a total subsidy provided by the Centre.… pic.twitter.com/NxXHM3jV90
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) December 4, 2024
Namo Bharat Rapid Rail update
In response to a question on a rapid train service, Vaishnaw said that the the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail was an example of such a service. The train service plies passengers on the Bhuj-Ahmedabad route, he said. Passengers aboard the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail reported high satisfaction levels in response to the train’s superior service, he added.
🚨 Vande Metro train renamed as ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’.
PM Narendra Modi has flagged off the country’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Bhuj and Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/mZGlEr5xEt
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) September 17, 2024
The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail cut the travel time on the 359-km route to just 5 hours and 45 minutes, Vaishnaw said, citing officials. Ahmedabad-Bhuj Namo Bharat Rapid Rail started service in September 2024. The train features 12 coaches with 1,150 seats. Th train service is equipped with AC cabins and ergonomic seats. It features KAVACH safety system. Startin from Bhuj at 5:05 am it arrives in Ahmedabad at 10:50 am via Anjar, Gandhidham, Bhachau, Samakhiali, Halvad, Dhrangadhra, Viramgam, Chandlodiya and Sabarmati. Namo Bharat Rapid Rail ticket fare is priced starting at Rs 30 per head.
Do you know how much subsidy Indian Railways provides on train tickets each year? The figure shared by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will surprise you. Contrary to popular perception, the Railways continues to offer subsidised travel facilities to travellers. Biz News Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
