The issue of senior citizen rail fares in Indian Railways has been in discussion for a long time. In March 2020, during the Kovid-19 epidemic, the Railways stopped the fare discount to senior citizens. Earlier, female senior citizens had a discount of 50% and male senior citizens got 40% discount. Since this decision, millions of senior citizens have to pay the entire price for the journey.
Recently, the question has been again raised whether the government will restore this facility. The announcements of Budget 2025-26 have made the issue more relevant. Let us know what are updates on this subject and what is the government’s stand.
Senior Citizen Rail Concession: Overview Table
| Description | Information |
| Start of discount | 2004 |
| Date of discount | March 2020 |
| Women’s Senior Citizen Rebate | 50% |
| Male Senior Citizen Rebate | 40% |
| Qualification age (woman) | 58 years |
| Qualification age (male) | 60 years |
| Current status | No discount available |
| Possibility of rebate restoration | Under consideration in budget 2025-26 |
Why was the discount closed due to Kovid-19?
In March 2020, when the Kovid-19 epidemic was at its peak, the Railways discontinued several concessions, including rent exemption for senior citizens. The reason for this was stated to be increasing financial pressure on the railway. During the epidemic, the number of passengers decreased drastically, which reduced the revenue of the railway.
Railways also said that ticket prices are already subsidized and it is not possible to give additional discounts. However, now that the situation is normal, senior citizens have demanded to re -implement this facility.
Expectations from budget 2025-26
No new announcement was made for senior citizens in the budget presented on 1 February 2025. However, according to several reports, the government is considering the subject. If this facility is again applied, millions of senior citizens will get relief.
potential benefits:
- Travel expenses will decrease.
- Senior citizens will be able to travel more freedom and comfortably.
- The government’s commitment to social justice and care of the elderly will be seen.
Current Status: What is any discount?
Currently, no special fare exemption is being given to senior citizens by Indian Railways. However, some other facilities are still available:
- Lower Berth Priority: Lower berth priority is given for senior citizens.
- Wheelchair facility: Wheelchairs are provided at stations.
- Battery Operated Vehicles: Free battery operations are available at some large stations.
What do government announcements say?
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav made it clear in Parliament that there is no proposal to restore fare discounts for senior citizens at present. He said that the government already provides subsidy to passengers and it would be difficult to bear additional financial burden.
Important figures:
- In the financial year 2022-23, Railways earned a revenue of ₹ 2,242 crore from senior civilian passengers.
- At present, an average of 55% subsidy is being given to all passengers.
Rumors spread on social media
Recently, it was claimed on social media that the Railways has restored 50% discount for senior citizens. However, this claim proved to be incorrect. Railways clarified that no such scheme has been implemented.
Conclusions: What will senior citizens get benefits?
At present, there is no indication of restoring senior citizen fare by the Indian Railways. However, in future the government can consider this subject, especially if social pressure increases or the budget situation is better.
Disclaimer:
This article is written only for the purpose of providing information. At present, no fare exemption for senior citizens has been restored by the Indian Railways. Please get official information for travel plans.
