Railways has suffered loss to the tune of Rs 688 crore on account of child fare being availed by passengers during 2014-15, Rajya Sabha was informed today.
"As per revised provisions, if a berth/seat is sought for a child between the age of 5 and 12 years, full fare will be charged. However, if no berth/seat is required, the child can travel on payment of half fare," Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha said in a written reply.
Since no berth/seat is booked in case of unreserved class, this provision is not applicable in case of unreserved passengers.
Sinha said revenue foregone on account of child fare for both reserved and unreserved classes for the year 2014-15 is approximately Rs 688 crore.
Out of 8.31 cr child passengers who availed this facility during financial year 2014-15, 6.20 crore passengers were unreserved to whom this provision is not applicable.
Railways provides concessions to more than 50 categories of passengers. The revenue foregone due to concession being given to various categories of passengers during 2014-15 is approximately Rs 1,423 crore including approximately Rs 105 crore for certain categories of disabled persons.
Revenue foregone due to child fare is maintained separately.
