NEW DELHI: The government has granted free rail travel benefits to a new category of gallantry award winners in the armed forces in recognition of their service, officials aware of the development said on Thursday.
Employees awarded Sena Medal, Nau Sena Medal and Vayu Sena Medal for Acts of Gallantry will now be entitled to free travel in first class, 2AC and car seat on Indian Railways, they said. The facility also covers dependents and one companion, where applicable, and is valid for life.
The distinction is limited to those honored for bravery, and does not apply to individuals who receive these medals for distinguished service.
Earlier, only beneficiaries of the Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra, along with their wartime equivalents – Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra – were eligible for free railway travel.
The Sena Medal, Nau Sena Medal and Vayu Sena Medal are ranked directly below the Shaurya Chakra in the order of precedence for gallantry awards. The Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra awards are the country’s highest peacetime gallantry awards.
An official letter issued on March 16 said, “The proposal to grant railway privileges to these medalists has been taken up with the Ministry of Defence, which has now agreed to free travel for life for the awardees, their families and companions.”
The letter added that the Commander-in-Chief’s Branch, in consultation with the Comptroller General of Defense Accounts, is working on implementation modalities, which will be notified shortly.
