Railways made a big announcement on senior citizen ticket exemption - know the whole reality Senior Citizens Ticket Discount
Senior Citizens Ticket Discount: In recent times, it was rapidly spread on social media that Indian Railways has again started a 50% discount on train tickets for senior citizens (Senior Citizens).But the reality is different from this.Railways have not yet restored the scheme.The facility was discontinued during the Kovid-19 epidemic in 2020 and has not resumed yet.
How was it available earlier?
Prior to Kovid, senior citizens passengers were given great relief in the railway.This discount applied to basic rent of mail, express and superfast trains.But no concession was given at reservation fee, GST or other additional fees.This system benefited about 15 crore senior citizens every year.
Why the plan closed during Kovid-19?
When the effect of the epidemic increased in March 2020, the Railways temporarily closed several consignment schemes.The reason for this was:
Current attitude of government and railway
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has made it clear several times in Parliament that there is no plan to restore senior citizen exemption at present.They argue that the Railways is already giving subsidy up to about 50% to the passengers.No announcement was made on this subject even in the budget of 2025-26.The Supreme Court also refused to intervene in the case in 2023 and said that it is a matter of policy-making of the government.
Currently available facilities for senior citizens
Although the ticket discount is closed, the railway gives many other facilities to the elderly passengers, such as:
future prospects
The financial condition of the railway and the policies of the government will depend on whether the scheme will resume or not.Social organizations and many political parties are constantly raising the issue, but no concrete indication has been found so far.