The Indian government has expanded its free rail travel benefits to a new category of armed forces gallantry award winners, officials announced on Thursday.
Personnel awarded the Sena Medal, Nau Sena Medal, and Vayu Sena Medal for acts of gallantry will now be entitled to complimentary travel in First Class, 2AC, and chair car on Indian Railways, along with their dependents and one companion, where applicable.
The concession is valid for life and limited to those honoured for gallantry, not distinguished service.
This expansion brings the Sena Medal, Nau Sena Medal, and Vayu Sena Medal recipients in line with the Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra awardees, who were previously eligible for free rail travel.
An official letter issued on March 16 stated that the proposal was approved by the Ministry of Defence, and the Adjutant General's branch is working out the modalities for implementation, which will be notified soon.
