What Are The Travel Concessions for Defence Personnel?

Indian Defence personnel, including serving soldiers, veterans, and their families, enjoy several travel concessions that help reduce travel costs. These benefits extend to railway, air, and road travel, ensuring that the men and women who serve the nation can travel with ease and comfort while saving on travel expenses.

Key Travel Concessions for Defence Personnel:

1. Railway Travel Concessions:

• Railway Travel Passes: Serving Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel are entitled to free railway passes for travel to and from their place of posting. These passes are usually provided for up to four trips per year for travel between their permanent address and place of posting.
• Discounted Tickets for Family: Families of serving defence personnel, including spouse and children, are entitled to discounted railway tickets. The discounts vary depending on the class of travel and distance.
• Concessions for Retired Defence Personnel: Retired personnel and their families also enjoy railway concessions. They can avail of 50% discount on First and Second Class Sleeper tickets and 75% discount on Ordinary Class tickets.

2. Air Travel Concessions:

• Free Air Travel: Defence personnel (particularly those in higher ranks) are eligible for free air travel to attend to official duties or to visit family. However, these are subject to availability and specific policies.
• Discounted Air Tickets for Family: Serving personnel and their families are eligible for discounted air tickets on domestic flights. Discounts typically range from 30% to 50% depending on the airline and availability.
• Concessions for Retired Personnel: Retired personnel may also receive discounted fares on air travel. The discounts are offered by public sector airlines such as Air India, where retired soldiers can receive up to 50% off on select routes.

3. Road Travel Concessions:

• Free Bus Travel: Many state government transport services offer free bus travel for defence personnel and their families. This includes travel for official duties and in some states, free travel for retired personnel as well.
• Discounts on Public Transport: Some states offer discounted road travel on buses for families of defence personnel, typically ranging from 25% to 50% off on tickets for general buses.

4. Concessions for Travel to and from Operational Areas:

• Free or Subsidized Travel to Operational Areas: Defence personnel, especially those posted to remote or border areas, are provided with free or subsidized travel to their homes during their annual leave. The travel is often arranged by the Indian Railways or Indian Air Force for such personnel.
• Special Airlift and Transport Arrangements: In certain cases, especially for personnel deployed in high-risk zones or during peacekeeping operations, travel to and from their posting areas may be facilitated through special airlifts or military transport.

5. Travel Concessions for War Widows and Veterans:

• Family Travel: War widows and the families of martyrs are entitled to travel concessions that allow them to visit their loved ones' graves or attend memorial services.
• Retired Veterans: Veterans of the armed forces are eligible for discounted travel rates on both air and rail services. In some cases, veterans can avail of free or subsidized travel for pilgrimage or official commemorations.

How to Avail of These Concessions:

• Railway Concessions: Defence personnel need to present their valid military ID card or railway pass to avail of discounts. Family members need to show proof of relationship (like a spouse’s ID or children’s birth certificates).
• Air Travel Concessions: Discounts can be availed through special defence personnel booking counters or by contacting the airlines directly. A military ID card is required to avail the discounts.
• Bus and Road Travel: For road travel, personnel should carry their military ID card to avail of discounts, especially for state-run bus services.

Example:

Lance Naik Amit Kumar, stationed in Jammu, wishes to visit his family in Delhi during his annual leave. He is entitled to a free railway pass for himself, and his wife and children receive 50% off on their train tickets. Amit and his family also enjoy a 30% discount on a domestic flight when he decides to take a flight back instead of the train. Additionally, during his travels, Amit receives subsidized bus tickets from the state transport services for his journey to and from the station.

Conclusion:

Travel concessions for defence personnel and their families significantly reduce travel costs, providing a valuable benefit to those who serve the nation. Whether it's free or discounted travel on trains, planes, or buses, these concessions support soldiers and their loved ones in maintaining strong connections and reducing the financial burden associated with travel.