Students at the Chandrashekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology (CSA University) in Kanpur have received a major travel boost as the Indian Railways has reinstated a 50% fare concession for them. This facility, which had been discontinued for 19 years, was officially restored on July 28, 2026. The initiative, led by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, aims to provide significant financial relief to the student body.
- Eligibility: Students traveling to their native districts after semesters, educational tours, and research work.
- Implementation: Executed through the Prayagraj division of North Central Railway.
- Process: Students must obtain special coupons from the university administration to claim the discount.
- Impact: Over 3,000 students are expected to benefit from this reinstated facility.
A Long-Awaited Restoration
The return of this concession is a personal victory for Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sanjeev Gupta. Having utilized similar railway benefits during his own time as a student, Dr. Gupta was determined to bring the facility back for the current generation. He personally coordinated with the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Prayagraj division to ensure the necessary approvals were secured to make train travel more affordable for the academic community.
How Students Can Avail the Benefit
According to Dr. Mukesh Srivastava, Dean of Student Welfare at CSA University, the process is straightforward but requires administrative documentation. Students who need to travel for university-related programs, research, or to return home after their academic sessions will now pay only half the standard fare. To trigger the discount, students are required to collect special coupons issued by the university, which must then be presented at the railway booking counters within the Prayagraj division jurisdiction.
This move is being hailed as a vital step in supporting the academic journeys of the university’s 3,000-plus students, effectively reducing the financial burden of travel for those coming from distant districts. The restoration of this 19-year-old facility highlights the positive impact of collaborative efforts between educational institutions and the Indian Railways to support student mobility across the country.