Bhubaneswar, Dec 10: Khurda Road Division of East Coast Railway has appealed to students across the region to uphold dignity, self-respect and responsible behavior while travelling by train. College and school authorities have been requested to motivate and guide their students to travel with proper tickets, as this reflects genuineness, discipline and contributes to nation-building. Travelling without a valid ticket is not only an offence under the Railways Act but also a social offence that undermines civic responsibility.
To strengthen awareness, Khurda Road Division is conducting special drives at various educational institutions. As part of this initiative, an awareness programme was organised at Women’s College, Puri, where discussions were held on ticketless travel, student Monthly Season Tickets (MST) and the benefits of concessional travel available to students. The session was attended by the Commercial Officers and o0fficials, Station Director, Puri; RPF personnel and Ticket Checking Staff.
Officials also met the Principal of SCS College, Puri. The Principal assured that a notice would be issued to all students regarding the importance of purchasing valid tickets. As assured, the Principal has issued a formal advisory urging student to obtain proper tickets before travelling on any train. Ticket checking staff has been instructed to keep a copy of this notice for awareness purposes while interacting with student passengers found without tickets.
Student Concessions and Benefits
Khurda Road Division reiterated the substantial concessions available to students:
• 50% concession on the base fare for all eligible students
• 75% concession for SC/ST students
• Girls students are given priority and extended benefits in concessional travel
• MST facility allows unlimited travel up to 150 km per month at highly subsidised rates
For example, the Puri–Cuttack distance is 90 km.
• Ordinary fare for a MEMU/Passenger train is ₹25 one way (₹50 both ways) and the monthly expenditure without concession is approx. ₹1500.
• MST fare: ₹355 (Passenger/MEMU) and ₹580 (Superfast) for journey up to a distance of 90Kms for both side.
• A recognised student to pay approximately:
o ₹180 per month (up to Class 12 for boys; up to Graduation for girls)
o ₹100 per month for SC/ST students (up to Class 12 for boys; up to Graduation for girls)
These significant concessions make MST the most economical and disciplined means of daily travel for students.
Khurda Road Division earnestly appeals to Students, Parents, Teachers, School and College authorities to support this initiative by encouraging responsible and lawful travel. Ensuring that every journey is undertaken with a valid ticket is a mark of integrity and respect towards the nation’s public transport system.
