The issue of exemption on railway tickets for senior citizens has been under discussion for a long time. Earlier this discount was given by Indian Railways, but it was closed during the Covid-19 epidemic. Recently, it has been reported that 50% railway ticket exemption can be resumed. Let’s know the latest information on this subject and every important thing related to it.
Introduction to senior citizen railway ticket exemption
Indian Railways had earlier provided special discounts to senior citizens for rail travel. Under this scheme, women had a discount of up to 50% and men up to 40%. However, the facility was discontinued in March 2020 citing financial crisis due to epidemic. Now, according to many media reports and claims on social media, this discount may resume.
Senior citizen railway ticket exemption overview
| Speciality | Description |
| Name of the scheme | Senior citizen railway ticket exemption |
| Applied date | Potential: 15 February 2025 |
| Exemption percentage | 50%for women, 40%for men |
| Qualification age | Women: 58+ years, Men: 60+ years |
| Applicable trains | Mail/Express Trains |
| Rebate will not apply | Premium trains (Rajdhani, Vande India) |
| Booking medium | Online and offline |
New information given by railway
- Different discounts for women and men:
- Women will get a discount of up to 50% and men up to 40%.
- This discount will only apply to the base fair.
- Not discount on premium trains:
- This facility will not be applicable to premium trains like Vande India, Rajdhani, Shatabdi.
- Online and offline booking available:
- You can book tickets from IRCTC portal or railway counter.
- Age proof required:
- Aadhaar card, voter ID or other official documents have to be shown.
Benefits of senior citizen railway ticket exemption
- Economic relief: Senior citizens with limited income will get great relief in travel expenses.
- Social engagement: It will be easy to meet family and friends or religious visits.
- Promotion of tourism: Cheap journey will promote domestic tourism.
- Comfortable travel experience: Senior citizens will get facilities like priority seating and wheelchair assistance.
How to book tickets?
Online Booking (IRCTC website and app)
- Login on the IRCTC website or app.
- Fill the travel details (location, date, class).
- Choose the option “Senior Citizen Concession”.
- Upload age proof.
- Pay and download the ticket.
Offline booking (railway counter)
- Go to the nearest railway station.
- Choose the “Senior Citizen” option by filling the form.
- Show age proof.
- Get tickets at a discounted rate.
Which trains and classes are eligible?
| Train class | Rebate apply? |
| Sleeper (SL) | Yes |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Yes |
| AC 3-Tier (3A) | Yes |
| AC 2-Tier (2A) | No |
| AC First Class | No |
Important things for senior citizens
- This discount will only apply to the base fair. Other fees like GST, catering etc. will be additional.
- Age proof can be checked by TTE during the journey.
- This feature is not available on TATKAL and Premium Tatkal tickets.
Official statement of railway
Indian Railways has clarified that no official announcement has been made regarding the exemption of senior citizens so far. However, according to some reports, the government is considering partially restoring the scheme.
Is this plan real?
Although social media and some media reports have been claimed that the scheme is starting again, the Railway Ministry has not confirmed any concrete confirmation about it.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on various sources and reports. Indian Railways has not yet officially confirmed the scheme. Readers are requested to get information from IRCTC or railway officials before any decision.
