Indian Railways has announced a major relief for senior citizens by reintroducing a 30% discount on train ticket fares, bringing joy and financial comfort to millions of elderly passengers across the country. This new concession is aimed at making travel more affordable, especially for those who depend on railways as their primary mode of long-distance transport.
A Big Relief After Years of Demand
For the past few years, senior citizens had been requesting the restoration of fare concessions that were paused during the pandemic. The latest announcement brings back a part of the earlier benefit, ensuring that older passengers can once again travel at reduced fares. The decision especially helps those who frequently commute for medical visits, family travel, or religious purposes.
Who Can Avail the 30% Discount?
The discount is available to all male passengers aged 60 years and above and female passengers aged 58 years and above. During ticket booking, passengers simply need to enter their valid date of birth, and the concession will be automatically applied. The concession is applicable for both Sleeper Class and AC classes, depending on ticket type and travel category.
How the New Discount Will Work
The 30% concession will be applied directly to the base fare of the ticket. This means passengers will still need to pay additional charges like GST, reservation fees, superfast charges, and Tatkal fees if applicable. Even so, the overall ticket cost becomes significantly more affordable with the new concession.
Valid for All Major Trains
The discount applies to most long-distance trains including Express, Superfast, and Mail services. Senior citizens will also be able to enjoy the concession regardless of whether they book tickets online or at the railway reservation counter. This ensures maximum convenience and equal access for passengers across cities and rural areas.
Railways Focus on Passenger Welfare
Indian Railways emphasized that the move was taken after carefully evaluating passenger needs, especially those of older citizens who depend heavily on affordable travel options. The concession reflects Railways’ commitment to social welfare, comfort, and accessibility for vulnerable groups.