Government offers 25pc waiver on train fare for elderly, disabled people

The Ministry of Railways and Bangladesh Railway have decided to offer a 25 percent fare waiver for senior citizens and physically disabled people starting on Monday.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Railways issued directives to Bangladesh Railway in this regard. In addition, after the introduction of a unified identity card for students travelling short distances on commuter trains, the issue of providing a 25 percent discount on ticket prices for students will also be considered.

According to the statement, to qualify as a senior passenger, the traveller must be at least 65 years old. During online ticket purchases, the age will automatically be verified using data from the traveller’s National Identity Card. The 25 percent discount will apply to the base fare. Other charges (such as service charges, VAT, etc.) will continue to apply at the existing rates on the discounted ticket price. This discount facility will be available through both online and counter ticketing systems.

As part of the eligibility conditions, individuals must be registered on Bangladesh Railway’s e-ticketing platform, “Rail Sheba,” to receive the benefit. A senior citizen will be entitled to this discount a maximum of two times per week, where the week will be calculated according to the date of travel.

If a discounted ticket is refunded, that order will not be counted in the weekly limit, and the user will again become eligible to receive the discount within the same week. If a senior citizen books tickets with companions, the companions will have to pay the regular fare. However, if the companion is also a senior citizen, then a maximum of one additional senior citizen companion per booking will also be eligible for the discount. In such cases, the companion must be separately verified using their own registered mobile number.

The statement further says that persons with disabilities holding the “Subarna” identity card under the Ministry of Social Welfare will be eligible for this facility. Disabled passengers will continue to receive the existing 50 percent discount on the total fare in Sulov (economy) or Shovon class on intercity trains, and on trains without Sulov or Shovon class, the discount will apply to the Shovon Chair class fare. Additionally, a new 25 percent discount will now be provided on all air-conditioned classes. Other charges (such as service charges, VAT, etc.) will remain applicable at existing rates.

For people with disabilities, this discount facility will initially apply only to tickets issued at station counters. In the future, online ticketing facilities will be introduced subject to necessary coordination with the Ministry of Social Welfare. Companions travelling with disabled passengers holding the identity card will be required to pay the regular fare.