Railway concession for accredited press correspondents

New Delhi, Jul 3: While presenting the budget for 2009-10, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a new method of concessions to be given to accredited press correspondents in the Railway Budget for 2009-10 on Friday, Jul 3.

Under the new method instead of giving coupons, it is now proposed to issue photo identification cum credit card based on the certification by the Press Information Bureau and other competent State and local authorities.

On production of this card the press correspondents would be able to get reservation done and also tickets issued from the PRS/UTS counters through this card.

Banerjee said that the facilities would also be provided to get compact accommodation for both the press correspondents and their family members who are not availing this concession.

In addition, concession of 30 per cent will be increased to 50 per cent for accredited press correspondents and permission will be given for once a year to travel with spouse at 50 per cent concession.

Banerjee also announced several concessions for the students.

According to the announcement, the free monthly season tickets for second class travel between school and home for girl students up to graduation and for boy students up to 12th standard will be extended to students attending Madrasa, High Madrasa and senior Madrasa.

She also announced 'Yuva Trains' dedicated specially for the young generation.

Presenting the Railway Budget, she said, these trains will be introduced between major cities to ensure that the youth and low income groups can travel at low rates between these cities.

The new low-priced fast train service will be started to connect youth in rural hinterlands to major metros/cities.

ANI