सीनियर सिटिज़न का सफर हुआ आसान! रेलवे का बड़ा फैसला- Senior Citizen Discount in Railway
Senior Citizen Discount in Railway – If there is an elderly person in your house, or you yourself have crossed the age of 60 and often travel by train, then this question must have come to your mind – will senior citizens get discount on railway tickets again? From social media to YouTube, this news is being discussed a lot that the discount on railway tickets may start again in 2025. But is this true? Let's know the whole story, that too in common language.
Senior Citizen Discount in Railway – Till a few years ago, Indian Railways used to give 40% ticket discount to male senior citizens and 50% to women. Due to this facility, traveling was very cheap and comfortable for elderly passengers. Be it a religious journey, visiting relatives or medical trip – the discount on tickets was a big relief for their pocket.
But when the Corona epidemic knocked in March 2020, the Railways temporarily stopped this discount due to Kovid-19. At that time, the revenue of the railways had come down and the number of passengers also fell drastically. Since then, this facility has not been restored.
Why is the news of resumption spreading now?
Since the beginning of 2025, it is being claimed on many news portals, YouTube channels and social media posts that the Railways has reintroduced the discount for senior citizens from 15 February 2025. It is being said that men are again being given a discount of 40% and women 50%.
But now wait – these things are rumors at the moment.
There has been no such official notification from the Railways. Even in response to questions asked in Parliament, the Railway Minister has clearly said that no plan has been implemented yet, but this subject is definitely being considered.
Who can take advantage of this discount? (If restarted)
If this facility is restarted in the future, it will be available on the basis of these conditions:
- Age of the man is 60 years or more
- Age of the woman is 58 years or more
- Ticket must be booked from IRCTC website or counter
- It will be necessary to show age proof (like Aadhar card, voter ID, PAN card)
- Discount will be available only on base fare, not on tax, superfast charge or reservation charge
- This discount will not be available on Tatkal or Premium Tatkal tickets
In which trains can this discount be available?
If this facility is restarted, discount can be available in these trains:
- Mail / Express trains
- Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, Duronto
- Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, AC Chair Car etc.
- However, this facility may not be applicable in special trains like Vande Bharat, Tejas.
What other facilities do senior citizens get in railways?
- Railways not only offers discounts on tickets, but also some other facilities for senior citizens:
- Priority for lower berths (in sleeper and AC coaches)
- Facility of wheelchairs and battery operated trains (at some stations)
- Separate lines at ticket booking counters
- Help desks and support staff at stations
How is ticket booking done?
- If the discount is resumed, the booking will be done in the following way:
- Online booking (IRCTC):
- Go to the IRCTC website or app
- Fill in travel details
- Check “Senior Citizen Concession”
- Fill in the correct age and upload ID
- Make payment and download ticket
- Offline booking (railway counter):
- Fill in the form and show age proof
- Tick the “Senior Citizen” column
- Get the ticket booked
Why is it necessary to restart this discount?
There are millions of elderly people in India who depend on limited pension or income. This discount on railway tickets was not only a relief for them, but also gave them the freedom to travel independently. Discontinuing this discount has increased the financial burden on them.
If the government is dreaming of an "empowered senior citizen", then it must restart this facility.
To be clear, at present the railway ticket discount for senior citizens in 2025 has not been implemented. It is limited to news and discussions only. No official announcement has been made by the Railways.
But since this issue is being discussed repeatedly in Parliament, and the demand of the people is also increasing continuously, it is expected that the Railways will take a concrete decision on this in the coming time.
Important advice
- Do not trust rumors
- Check the official website of the Railways before booking the ticket
- Get information from IRCTC helpline or nearest station
- Carry ID proof with you during the journey