In a major relief for the academic community, Indian Railways has officially reinstated a 50 percent rail fare concession for students of the Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology (CSA University) in Kanpur. This facility, which was discontinued nearly two decades ago, has been brought back following a dedicated initiative led by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Sanjeev Gupta. The decision, announced around July 28, 2026, is expected to provide substantial financial support to over 3,000 students currently enrolled at the institution.
- The 50% discount applies to Second Class (2S) and Sleeper Class travel.
- Applicable for academic tours, research activities, and travel to hometowns.
- Students must obtain special coupons from the university administration to avail the benefit.
- The concession is not available via e-tickets and must be processed at railway counters.
Facilitating Easier Travel for Students
The restoration of this benefit is a collaborative effort between the academic administration and the North Central Railway’s Prayagraj division. By lowering the cost of travel, the initiative aims to ease the financial burden on students who travel from various parts of the country to pursue their studies in Kanpur. Dr. Mukesh Srivastava, Dean of Student Welfare at CSA University, expressed that this move will have a profoundly positive impact on the student body, making it easier for them to manage travel expenses related to both their education and periodic visits home.
How to Avail the Concession
To ensure a smooth transition and proper implementation of the scheme, the university has established a clear process for students. Candidates wishing to utilize this fare reduction must first secure the special authorization coupons issued by the university administration. Once the coupon is obtained, students are required to visit a physical railway ticket counter to book their journey. Please note that this specific concession cannot be redeemed through online platforms or e-ticketing portals, so students are advised to plan their bookings accordingly at the station.
This initiative marks a significant milestone, reviving a student-friendly policy that had been dormant for 19 years, and underscores the commitment of the railway authorities to support the next generation of agricultural professionals.