Indian Railways has brought a good news for the elderly of the country. To make the rail journey more convenient and economical, the Railways has introduced several new benefits and facilities for senior citizens. The purpose of these new benefits is to make the journey of the elderly comfortable and safe.
In this article, we will learn in detail about the three major benefits provided by the Railways for senior citizens. These benefits include ticket exemption, priority in reservation, and special support during travel. Let us understand these benefits in detail and know how they can improve the railway journey of senior citizens.
Railway benefits for senior citizens: at a glance
| Benefit | Description |
| Ticket discount | 40% for men and 50% for women |
| Priority in reservation | Allotment of lower berth and priority in immediate quota |
| special assistance | Wheelchair facility and assistant staff |
| Medical facilities | First aid kit and doctor’s availability in train |
| Safety measures | Special security personnel and helpline number |
| Dinner | Seat delivery and special diet options |
| Baggage aid | Help in carrying and keeping goods |
| Digital facilities | Online booking and mobile app support |
Ticket discount: big relief for senior citizens
Indian Railways has announced significant discounts on ticket rates for senior citizens. This discount will help the elderly travel affordable.
Rebate for male senior citizen
- Male passengers aged 60 years or older will be given 40% discount.
- This discount will be applicable to all classes and trains types.
- The discount will be calculated at the base fair, which will not include the superfast charge.
Exemption for women senior citizens
- Women passengers aged 58 years or older will be provided a discount of 50%.
- This discount will be available on all classes and types of trains.
- Women passengers have been given more discounts than men.
How to take advantage of exemption
- Give proof of your age while booking tickets.
- Use Aadhaar card, PAN card, or other government identity cards.
- Select the Senior Citizen option during online booking.
- Keep the age certificate with you during the journey.
Priority in reservation: convenient travel assurance
Senior citizens are given special priority in reservation by Railways. This feature helps them to ensure comfortable and safe travel.
Allocation of lower berths
- Senior citizens are given priority to allocate lower births.
- This facility makes them easier for them to climb and land on the train.
- If the lower berth is not available, the option of middle berth is given.
Priority in immediate quota
- Senior citizens are also given priority in Tatkal ticket booking.
- They are immediately reserved for a certain number of seats from the quota.
- This feature is very useful in sudden travel conditions.
Reservation process
- Select the Senior Citizen option at the time of ticket booking.
- Present proof of your age and identity.
- Request for lower berth or Tatkal ticket.
- Railway employees will make reservation keeping in mind your needs.
Special Help: Make Travel More Easy
Indian Railways provides special support services for senior citizens. These services help to make their journey comfortable and safe.
Wheelchair facility
- Free wheelchair service is available at stations.
- Passengers can book wheelchairs in advance.
- Wheelchair can be requested by contacting the station master.
Assistant employee
- Special trained employees are available at railway stations.
- These employees help senior citizens reach the platform.
- They also provide help in carrying goods and climbing in the train.
Help during travel
- You can seek help from train guards or ticket checkers.
- Chen pullings can be used to help in emergency.
- Help desks are available at stations from where information and assistance can be obtained.
Medical facilities: Health safety attention
Keeping in mind the health of senior citizens, Indian Railways has provided several medical facilities. These facilities ensure their safety and comfort during the journey.
First aid kit in train
- First aid kit is available in every train.
- This includes medicines for fever, pain, and minor injuries.
- The kit can be requested from the train guard or ticket checker.
Doctor’s availability
- A doctor’s services are available in some long distance trains.
- In case of emergency, the doctor can be called at the next station.
- Large stations have medical room facility.
Health safety tips
- Keep your regular medicines with you.
- Drink enough water during the journey.
- Shake hands and feet at regular intervals in long journey.
- Inform the railway employees immediately for any health problem.
Safety Measures: Assurance of Sbehant Yatra
Security of senior citizens is the priority of the railway. Many special security measures have been taken for this which makes their journey safe and relaxed.
Special security personnel
- Special personnel of Railway Protection Force (RPF) are deployed for the protection of senior citizens.
- These workers regularly patrol both train and station places.
- Any suspicious activity can be reported immediately to these personnel.
Helpline number
- A special helpline number 139 is available for senior citizens.
- 24 × 7 assistance can be obtained on this number.
- This number can be contacted for any problem related to travel.
Disclaimer
This article is only for informative purposes and the information given in it is provided as general information. Although we have tried to provide accurate and updated information, the policies and facilities of the railway may change from time to time. Therefore, before taking advantage of any travel or service, please contact the official website or helpline of the Indian Railways and confirm the latest information and rules. We are not responsible for any decision or action taken based on the information given in this article.
