New Delhi: Indian Railways may soon be powered by clean and reliable nuclear energy. The Railway Ministry is in talks with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Ministry of Power (MoP) for nuclear power allocation.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed this in a recent statement to the Rajya Sabha. He said the railway network is exploring options to source power from existing and upcoming nuclear plants. This shift will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions.
Subsidy on Passenger Tickets
The minister also shared details on railway subsidies. In 2022-23, Indian Railways provided a subsidy of Rs 56,993 crore on passenger tickets. This means passengers paid only 54% of the actual cost.
Subsidies continue for all passengers. Additional concessions remain for Divyangjans, patients, and students. From 2020 to December 2024, about 2,357.8 crore passengers traveled on Indian Railways.
Facilities for Senior Citizens and Women
To make travel easier for senior citizens and women, the railways reserves lower berths in trains. Six to seven lower berths are available per coach in sleeper class. Air-conditioned coaches also have reserved lower berths for elderly passengers, women above 45, and pregnant women.
Indian Railways continues to enhance its services while promoting clean energy and passenger welfare.
