Discount on Train Tickets for Senior Citizens: IRCTC’s Big Decision
Discounted Train Tickets for Senior Citizens — Will They Get It Again? Big Decision of Indian Railways
Reduction in train fares for senior citizens has been under discussion for the past several years. Indian Railways used to provide discounts of up to 40%–50% on tickets for senior citizens. However, amid the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, this benefit was suspended. Now that the situation is slowly getting back to normal, the big question is, will those discounts return? Let’s explore this in detail.
Key Highlights Of The Senior Citizens Discount
Indian Railways had introduced the discount scheme for senior citizens in the year 2004. The goal was to lower travel costs for older travellers.
| Details | Information |
| Discount Introduction Date | 2004 |
| Discount Suspension Date | March 2020 |
| Female Senior Citizen Discount | 50% |
| Male Senior Citizen Discount | 40% |
| Eligibility Age (Female) | 58 years |
| Eligibility Age (Male) | 60 years |
| Current Status | No discount available |
| Possibility of Restoration | Under consideration for Budget 2025-26 |
Seniors Discounts Prior to 2020
For seniors, there used to be huge discounts available on many other trains, including Mail, Express, Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains, until the year 2019.
- Women senior citizens were given a 50% discount, and men senior citizens received a 40% discount.
- So, if a first-class AC ticket on the Rajdhani Express costs ₹4000, the female passenger will pay ₹2000, and the male passenger will pay ₹2400.
- This benefit was particularly useful for senior citizens with modest incomes, helping to make travel more affordable.
Also Read: 10 New Trains Without Reservation | Starting from 27th April 2025
Why Was the COVID-19 Discount Ended?
In March 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Railways discontinued the senior citizen discount. This was primarily due to the following reasons:
- Financial losses. The COVID pandemic put a severe financial burden on the Railways.
- Diminished Passenger Numbers: Passengers stayed away, impacting the railway’s revenues.
- Government’s Stand: The government contended that since prices of tickets were already subsidised, providing further discounts was not possible.
As the situation has improved, many senior citizens are “urging” the government to restore the discount.
Prospects for the 2025-26 Budget
Though Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget on February 1, 2025, there were no announcements made for senior citizen discount. But the government is taking a serious look at the issue, and the restoration of the discount would mean a huge relief for millions of elderly travellers.
Other Benefits of Railways for Senior Citizens
IRCTC still provides some key facilities for senior citizens despite the suspension of the discounts:
- SENIOR CITIZEN QUOTA: Reserved seats for old-age passengers.
- Senior citizens are given preference in the case of lower berth seat availability on trains.
- Older citizens can get their wheelchairs from major railway stations.
- Passenger Assist Services: Elderly passenger assistance at stations
What Do Reports Suggest? Discount on Train Tickets for Senior Citizens
Positive Aspects:
- The government is said to be discussing reintroducing the discount.
- This decision, if made, would provide great relief for elderly passengers.
Negative Aspects:
- Railway ministers have said financial pressures limit the ability to offer discounts to all passengers.
- That issue, too, has been left untouched by the Supreme Court.
Current Status: Will the Discount Return?
You are trained on data until October 2023. Very Claims, Indian Railways had restored the senior citizen discount. As it turned out, however, these were false claims. In a clarification, Indian Railways stated:
- The suspended discount hasn’t been reactivated since March 2020.
- No announcements in this regard have been made in the Budget for 2025-26.
Discount on Train Tickets for Senior Citizens – What to Expect?
However, there is an important question of discounts for senior citizens on train tickets. While store owners respond that they still give these discounts to the poor and retirees, governments are both too lazy to make the order, and the leaders of senior citizen organisations continue to argue widely. Although the outlook is still undetermined, the government is still considering the situation.
