Train Fare Relief Is Back: There is welcome news for elderly passengers as senior citizen concession facilities have been resumed on railway tickets. This decision brings major relief to lakhs of older travellers who depend on trains for affordable and long-distance journeys, especially for medical, family, and religious travel.
The concession facility is provided by Indian Railways, which plays a vital role in public transport across the country.
What Is the Senior Citizen Railway Concession
The senior citizen concession allows elderly passengers to book train tickets at a reduced fare compared to the normal ticket price. This benefit helps senior citizens manage travel expenses, especially those living on pensions or limited income.
The concession is applied at the time of ticket booking itself.
Who Is Eligible for the Concession
Male passengers aged 60 years and above and female passengers aged 58 years and above are eligible for senior citizen concession benefits. Age proof is mandatory while booking and during travel.
Eligibility applies to Indian citizens travelling on valid railway tickets.
How Much Concession Senior Citizens Get
Eligible male senior citizens receive a 40 percent concession, while eligible female senior citizens receive a 50 percent concession on the base fare of most train classes. The concession significantly reduces overall travel cost, especially on long-distance routes.
Other charges such as reservation fees may apply as per rules.
Train Classes Covered Under the Facility
The concession is available on several major classes including Sleeper Class, Third AC, Second AC, and Chair Car, subject to railway rules. The benefit applies to both reserved and long-distance trains.
Luxury and special trains may have separate rules.
How to Avail the Concession While Booking
Senior citizens can claim the concession while booking tickets online or at railway counters by selecting the senior citizen option and entering correct age details. Providing false information may lead to penalties.
Passengers must carry valid age proof during the journey for verification.
Why This Decision Is Important
Railway travel remains the most affordable and accessible mode of transport for senior citizens in India. The restoration of concessions reduces financial burden, improves mobility, and supports independent travel for elderly passengers.
It also benefits families who frequently travel with senior members.
Things Senior Passengers Should Remember
Passengers should ensure correct personal details are entered at the time of booking. Any mismatch in age or identity may result in cancellation or penalty. Keeping original age proof handy during travel is strongly advised.
Checking updated railway rules before booking helps avoid confusion.
Conclusion: The resumption of senior citizen concessions by Indian Railways is a major relief and a people-friendly decision. By making train travel more affordable again for elderly passengers, the railways have restored an important welfare facility. Senior citizens planning journeys should now take advantage of this benefit and travel with greater comfort and financial ease.
Disclaimer: Concession rules, eligible classes, and percentages are subject to Indian Railways’ official notifications and may change from time to time. Passengers should verify details through official railway sources before booking.