Indian Railways provides an annual subsidy of Rs 56,993 crore across all passenger categories.
Did you know that Indian Railways train ticket prices are subsidised? So, how much discount does the national transporter give for every ticket that it sells? 46%, says Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The Indian Railways provides an annual subsidy of Rs 56,993 crore across all passenger categories, offering a 46 per cent reduction on each ticket, according to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s statement on Wednesday.
During his address in the Lok Sabha regarding restoration of passenger discounts for various categories, Ashwini Vaishnaw said that passengers pay only Rs 54 for a ticket priced at Rs 100.
In the Question Hour session, Vaishnaw emphasised that the annual railway subsidy extends to “all classes of passengers”. He said that Indian Railways gives Rs 56,993 crore subsidy on ticket prices every year.
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Addressing queries about rapid train services, the minister highlighted the successful launch of
Namo Bharat Rapid Rail
(also called Vande Metro) connecting Bhuj and Ahmedabad, noting high passenger satisfaction levels due to its exceptional service quality.
Railway officials confirmed that the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail service has enhanced intercity travel, completing the 359-kilometre journey between Bhuj and Ahmedabad in 5 hours and 45 minutes, with multiple stops en route.
Recently, Indian Railways revised its
advance train ticket booking
rules. From November 1, 2024, the advance train ticket booking window has been reduced to 60 days prior to travel date, replacing the 120-day period.
The reduction in advance reservation duration from 120 to 60 days is designed to minimise passenger inconvenience caused by train cancellations booked months ahead. This adjustment seeks to enhance the overall reservation process.
Effective November 1, 2024, the ARP or Advance Reservation Period will operate on a 60-day timeline (excluding journey date), and all bookings will follow this new system. Any reservations made until October 31, 2024, under the 120-day ARP will continue to be honoured.
