The new online system for issuing privilege passes to retired railway employees, which was designed to simplify the process, instead received a warm response, with thousands of retirees in Visakhapatnam being deprived of their entitled free travel benefits due to technological gaps, health issues, and physical limitations.
The retirees are now urging the immediate reinstatement of the traditional manual issuance process.
Chalasani Gandhi, a former railway trade union leader and member of the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC), Visakhapatnam, has urged the railway administration to reconsider the mandate. Highlighting the plight of pensioners, particularly those over 70 and elderly women, he argued that the current digital-only protocol overlooks the practical realities faced by the ageing workforce.
“While the online system may be efficient for serving staff, it has become a major barrier for our retirees,” Mr. Gandhi said, adding, “Many are struggling with technological gaps, health issues, and physical limitations. Rather than simplifying the process, this system is forcing seniors to make repeated, exhausting trips to railway offices.”
According to Mr. Gandhi, the discontinuation of the manual system has resulted in thousands of retirees being effectively deprived of their entitled free travel benefits. Consequently, many pensioners have been forced to pay for their own travel for urgent medical needs or family visits. He pointed out that the current situation contradicts the broader government mandate to improve citizen-centric services. At a time when other public institutions, including banks, are enhancing doorstep services for the elderly, he noted that the Railways’ restrictive model runs contrary to the spirit of inclusive public service.
Reports of persistent issues at the Divisional Railway Manager office have added to the frustration, with Mr. Gandhi noting that many retired employees have made multiple, fruitless visits in the sweltering heat over the past month.
While acknowledging the utility of digital platforms, the veteran union leader emphasised that the online system should be made optional rather than mandatory. His demands include the immediate restoration of manual physical applications and a request for the General Manager of the South Coast Railway, Sandeep Kumar, to personally intervene to ensure retirees are not subjected to such inconvenience. Trade unions have already escalated the matter to the Railway Board and the Union Minister for Railways, and the retired community in Visakhapatnam remains hopeful that the policy will be modified to prioritise accessibility for those who served the organisation for decades.
Published - July 18, 2026 08:20 pm IST