London [U.K.], Apr. 19 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an interactive session of 'Bharat Ki Baat Sabke Saath' lauded the efforts of senior citizens of India for giving up the travel subsidy while availing the services of Indian Railways.

While interacting at an event in London, Prime Minister Modi on April 18 recounted his days spent at railway stations and the enriching experience he gathered.

Prime Minister Modi also noted the remarkable progress made by Indian Railways in Infrastructure creation.

"Indian Railways have registered a significant rise in the number of senior citizens who have chosen to give up the subsidy. From August 15, 2016, to March 31, 2018, about 40 lakh esteemed senior citizens have voluntarily given up concessions resulting in a benefit of Rs. 77 crore savings to Railways from this single initiative," Prime Minister Modi said at the event.

"Option for giving up of concession in passenger fare for senior citizens to the extent of 100 percent was already available. Further, Indian Railways has popularized it along with giving the option to avail either the full concession provided to them on rail tickets or half of it. The scheme of 'Give it up' senior citizen concession has been a great success. Indian Railways is thankful to the citizens, who have opted for giving up senior citizen concession," Prime Minister Modi added.

At present, male senior citizens get 40 percent while women get 50 percent concession on the total fare.

Though there are many categories of passengers including sportspersons and differently-abled persons who avail concessions, the major beneficiaries are in the senior citizen segment. (ANI)

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