Railways May Partially Reintroduce Discounts for Senior Citizens

The Indian Railways had withdrawn the concessions on train fares that were previously offered to senior citizens in 2020 during the pandemic.

With Union Budget 2024-25 to be announced soon, one of the questions weighing on the minds of many is whether the Indian Railways will reinstate concessions on train fares for senior citizens. The issue holds significant importance as it directly impacts millions of elderly individuals across the country who rely on affordable travel options.

According to media reports, there is a speculation that the discounts may be reinstated in sleeper classes to reduce financial strain on railways and benefit only those seniors who cannot afford sleeper class tickets.

The Indian Railways had in March 2020 decided to withdraw the concessions on train fares that were previously offered to senior citizens. This decision terminated the practice of providing a 50 percent discount to female senior citizens and a 40 percent discount to male and transgender senior citizens on their train fares. Since the withdrawal of these concessions, senior citizens have been required to pay the full fare, on par with other passengers. According to Railway norms, males and transgenders aged 60 and above, and females aged 58 and above, are classified as senior citizens.

The withdrawal of senior citizen concessions reportedly resulted in significant additional revenue for the Railways, as disclosed through various reports and RTI inquiries. This financial boost has been a point of contention, with proponents of reinstating concessions arguing that the social benefits outweigh the revenue gains.

When asked about the possibility of reinstating senior citizen concessions ahead of the Interim Budget 2024, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had responded saying that the Indian Railways was already offering a 55% concession on train fares to all passengers.

Earlier this year, in response to an RTI application filed by Madhya Pradesh resident Chandra Shekhar Gaur, the Indian Railways had revealed that it earned around Rs 2,242 crore from about 15 crore senior citizens in the financial year 2022-23.

The question of whether Indian Railways will bring back concessions for senior citizens in Budget 2024 is not merely a matter of policy but also a reflection of societal values and priorities. It represents an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to elder care, social equity, and responsive governance.