Minister of Ashwini Vaishnaw, who spoke in Lok Sabha during the monsoon meeting of Parliament in Nový Delhi on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: Neither
Indian railways are aimed at a more efficient, safer and socially inclusive system, the Minister of Trade Unions for Railways, IT and the information and broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday in Lok Sabha in answering questions raised by Eluru P. Mahesh Kumar.
The Minister emphasized the recent fare modifications and explained that after a five -year gap of 1 July 2025 from 1 July 2025, the railways introduced a minimum rationalization of fees per kilometer per kilometer per kilometer. In the general class, no fare for travels under 500 km and suburban fares and monthly seasonal tickets (MST) remain unchanged.
The Minister noted that Indian railways still offer significant subsidies – 60,466 Crore in FY 2023-24, which represents almost 45% of the total cost of personal service. Concessions remain for people with disabilities, patients and students.
Further generated revenue is aimed at improving services, including safety, accuracy and reconstruction of the station within the AMRIT Bharat station system. Services such as Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat Trains, along with digital platforms such as Rail Madad and UTS Mobile App, will expand for better commuters.
In response to a separate question from the same emergency medical deputy, the Minister informed that medical boxes equipped with equipment rescuing life and oxygen are now available at stations and onboard trains, according to the Supreme Court directives and AIIMS recommendations.
Railway employees of Frontline, including testing tickets and stations masters, undergo regular first aid training and emergency contact information about the surrounding medical facilities is displayed at the stations. Ambulance services are coordinated with state governments and private providers to ensure a quick medical reaction. This effort, said the Minister, reaffirmed the obligation of Indian railways to good living conditions and safety of passengers.
Published – 31 July 2025 12:23
