AI SummaryConcession in Railway Travel is a state scheme by the Department of Art and Culture, Tamil Nadu, for individual artists and cultural troupes. Under this scheme, artists get 75% concession in second class and 50% concession in first class train fare while travelling to perform at public cultural programmes in places outside their home town. The scheme is implemented by the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram and continues for the 2026-27 period.
The scheme helps solo performers as well as troupes with more than three members. Artists who are invited to give public cultural performances in other places can get a formal concession certificate from the Mandram and use it to book Indian Railways tickets at discounted rates. This makes long distance travel for shows much easier on the pocket.
Concession in Railway Travel - Introduction
Department of Art and Culture, Tamil Nadu, launched this scheme to support the artistic community of the state. Individual artists and cultural troupes travel long distances for stage shows, dance recitals, music concerts, dramas and folk programmes. The concession reduces the money artists have to spend on train tickets so that more of their earnings stay with them.
As per the department, Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram provides rail travel concession to drama artistes and art groups whose programmes need train travel. In some cases it also supports government bus travel for the artistes. The concession certificate is issued after the Mandram checks the application, and the certificate is shown at the time of ticket booking.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Concession in Railway Travel |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Tamil Nadu |
| Main Department | Department of Art and Culture |
| Department Running the Scheme | Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram |
| Benefit Type | In-kind travel concession |
| Application Mode | Offline, through Mandram office |
Benefits
Eligible artists get a fixed percentage of concession on Indian Railways tickets for the journey to the performance venue. The discount reduces the cost of travel for solo artists and for each member of a troupe.
| Class | Concession Amount |
|---|---|
| Second Class | 75% discount |
| First Class | 50% discount |
Eligibility
Artists who meet the following conditions can apply for the concession:
- Artist status: Applicant must be an individual artist or a member of a troupe with more than three artists. For example, a solo folk performer or a dance group of four members is eligible.
- Journey purpose: Travel must be for a public cultural performance at an outstation location, like a drama, dance recital, music concert or folk programme.
- Travel distance: Journey distance must be more than 300 km, as fixed by Indian Railways.
- Mode of travel: Travel must be by train to get the concession.
Application Process
Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram publishes an advertisement in newspapers when applications open for this scheme. Interested artists should apply within the period shown in the advertisement.
STEP 1 - Visit the office of Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram during office hours and get a hard copy of the official application form from the staff.
STEP 2 - Fill the form with correct details. Attach a recent passport size photograph and self-attest all supporting documents.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed form with documents at the Mandram office. Keep a copy of everything for personal record.
STEP 4 - Collect the submission receipt and note the date, time and any application number given. The Mandram will issue the concession certificate after verification.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before applying:
- Complete bio-data of the artist, showing artistic background and experience.
- Valid proof of identity, like Aadhaar card or voter ID.
- Copy of the train ticket for the journey.
- Confirmation letter from the programme organiser or newspaper advertisement clippings of the event.
- Any other document asked by the department.
References
For detailed rules, check the official guidelines PDF from the Department of Art and Culture. The list of schemes implemented by Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram is available on the official schemes page of the department. Artists can also read about Scheme of Financial Assistance to Indigent Artists and other related Tamil Nadu artist schemes on this website.
FAQ's
Can the concession be used for any cultural programme?
Yes, the concession applies to travel for a public cultural programme at an outstation place, such as a drama, music concert, dance programme or folk event.
How is the concession certificate obtained?
After the application is checked, Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram issues the concession certificate. This certificate is required to book tickets at the discounted rate.
Is there a minimum number of members for a troupe?
Yes, the troupe must have more than three artists to be eligible. Individual artists can also apply.
What if the travel distance is less than 300 km?
Journeys shorter than 300 km are not covered. The distance rule is fixed by Indian Railways, so check the distance before applying.
Is there a fixed deadline for this scheme?
There is no fixed yearly deadline. Applications open when the Mandram publishes an advertisement in newspapers, and artists should apply within the period mentioned there.