Indian Railways is offering a significant travel subsidy to passengers, covering nearly half of the actual cost of train travel. Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has revealed that while the real cost of travel per kilometer is Rs 1.38, passengers are charged only 73 paise. This effectively means that the government is providing a 47% subsidy on railway fares.
The subsidy aims to make train travel more affordable for millions of passengers across India. Indian Railways plays a crucial role in providing economical transportation, especially for long-distance travel and daily commuters. The government has been supporting the railway network by keeping fares low despite rising operational costs.
Vaishnaw’s statement highlights the financial burden that Indian Railways bears to ensure affordable travel. The subsidy is part of the broader initiative to make public transport accessible to all sections of society. The government continues to invest in railway infrastructure and services while maintaining fare subsidies to ease the financial strain on passengers.
The announcement has sparked discussions on whether fares should be revised or if the government should explore alternative ways to fund railway operations. However, for now, passengers continue to benefit from subsidized travel, making railways one of the most economical modes of transport in the country.
