Students of the Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology in Kanpur have received a major financial boost as the Indian Railways has officially reinstated a 50% fare concession for them. This facility, which was discontinued nearly two decades ago, has been brought back by the Prayagraj Division of the North Central Railway, providing much-needed relief to the academic community.
Key highlights of the reinstated railway concession include:
- 50% discount on railway fares for eligible university students.
- The benefit is applicable to over 3,000 students currently enrolled at the university.
- Concessions apply to students traveling from various parts of India, including Tamil Nadu, Kashmir, and Madhya Pradesh.
- The discount covers travel during two annual semester breaks, academic tours, and research-related journeys.
- Students must obtain special coupons from the university administration to avail of the fare reduction.
A Long-Awaited Restoration
After a 19-year gap, the revival of this concession marks a significant milestone for the university. The initiative was spearheaded by the university administration under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sanjeev Gupta. Dr. Mukesh Srivastava, the Dean of Student Welfare, confirmed that the restoration of this facility will significantly reduce the financial burden on students who frequently travel long distances to reach their homes or conduct field research.
How Students Can Avail the Benefit
To streamline the process, the university has established a system where students can secure the discounted fares via specific coupons issued by the institution. This ensures that the process remains transparent and accessible to those who need it most. By integrating these travel benefits back into the student experience, the university and the North Central Railway are making higher education and research opportunities more affordable for thousands of aspiring agricultural scholars. This move is being widely appreciated by the student body, as it directly impacts their travel expenditure for essential academic and personal trips.