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Millions of railway passengers across the country are eagerly awaiting the upcoming Union Budget of 2026. The common man expects announcements from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman that will provide relief to their pockets. Meanwhile, the biggest news for senior citizens has emerged. According to media reports and sources, the concession in ticket fares that senior passengers received before the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to be reinstated in the budget. It is reported that discussions have taken place between the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Finance regarding this. If this announcement is made, it will provide significant relief to millions of seniors.
Until March 2020, Indian Railways took special care of senior citizens. Women aged 58 and above received a 50% discount on tickets for all classes. For example, if a first AC ticket cost 3,000 rupees, women only had to pay 1,500 rupees. On the other hand, men aged 60 and above received a 40% discount, meaning they could travel on a 3,000 rupee ticket by paying 1,800 rupees. This concession was temporarily suspended in March 2020 to avoid unnecessary travel and maintain social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after the pandemic ended, it was not resumed, forcing seniors to pay the full fare. Now, as the financial situation of the railways has improved, this demand is gaining momentum again.
If this proposal is approved in the budget, seniors will receive discounts in all classes from sleeper to first AC. For middle-class families, travel for pilgrimages or visiting relatives will become affordable. The feature of this facility is its simplicity. When booking tickets, if age is mentioned on the IRCTC website or at the railway counter, the fare will automatically be reduced, with no need for any special card or office visit.
Railway passenger organizations and senior citizen associations have been demanding this for a long time. If this announcement is made in the budget, it is expected to provide real relief to ordinary passengers. All eyes are on Finance Minister Sitharaman's announcements.
In Budget 2026, a significant reduction in railway ticket prices for senior citizens is expected.
The concession stopped after March 2020 may resume, from First AC to Sleeper class.
If age is mentioned at IRCTC or railway counter, the discount will automatically apply to the ticket.
Financial assistance to millions of senior travelers, making travel affordable and easy.