Indian Railways operates special trains to clear extra rush of passengers during peak season, special events and festivals.

During the period between April and May this year, Indian Railways has operated 6544 trips of special trains. Minister of Railways, Piyush Goyal said this in a written reply in Rajya Sabha last Friday.

He said that except restriction in certain trains, elderly women above the age of 58 years are entitled to 50 per cent concession on a basic fare in regular trains.

Further, students are also entitled to concession ranging between 25 per cent to 100 per cent on basic fare in regular trains depending on the type of journey, and category of students.

Mr Goyal said, cleanliness is a continuous process and every endeavour is made to keep the coaches in clean condition and to provide hygienic bedroll to the travelling passengers.

Provision of catering service in trains running as Summer Special is made through static catering units at stations en-route. Passengers can also avail the e-catering services offered by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation.