Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
Credit: Sansad TV via PTI Photo
New Delhi: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said that rail ticket prices are most affordable in India as compared to neighbouring and developed countries, and the Indian Railways gave Rs 60,000 crore subsidy last year to keep the ticket prices low.
The prices of tickets in India are about five or 10 per cent of the prices in developed countries. Even compared to neighbouring countries, the ticket is kept at a very, very affordable price, the minister said during the Question Hour in Lok Sabha.
He was replying to a question on whether the government plans to restore the rail ticket discount to senior citizens as it was before Covid.
Last year, the Indian Railways gave about Rs 60,000 crore subsidy so that the passenger transport can remain affordable, he said.
"While comparing to our neighbouring countries, India is providing the most affordable transportation to our citizens or passengers," Vaishnaw said.