Railways gives ₹56,993 crore subsidy on tickets every year: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw speaks in the Lok Sabha during the winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
| Photo Credit: PTI

A total subsidy of ₹56,993 crore is given every year by the Indian Railways to all categories of passengers, with a 46 per cent rebate on every ticket, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday (December 4, 2024).

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Replying to multiple questions in the Lok Sabha on restoring discounts given to various categories of train passengers, he said if the price of a ticket is ₹100, then the railways charges just ₹54 for it — a discount of 46 per cent.

“A total of ₹56,993 crore subsidy is given every year by the Indian Railways to all classes of passengers,” Vaishnaw said during the Question Hour.

Replying to another question on rapid train service, he said the railways has already started such a service — Namo Bharat Rapid Rail — between Bhuj and Ahmedabad and the satisfaction level of passengers is extremely high due to its superior service.

Officials said Namo Bharat Rapid Rail has improved intercity connectivity by covering the 359-kilometre distance between Bhuj and Ahmedabad in 5 hours and 45 minutes, with stops at several stations along the way.