Budget 2026: Senior Citizens’ Train Ticket Discounts Are Back!
The Modi government is gearing up to present the second full budget of its third term on February 1, 2026. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget 2026 is being widely seen as a “budget of hope,” with farmers, unemployed youth, taxpayers, and senior citizens all expecting meaningful relief.
Among the most talked-about possibilities is the return of railway ticket concessions for senior citizens. According to sources, the Ministry of Railways has already sent a proposal to restore this benefit. While the issue did not come up in pre-budget meetings and no final call has been taken yet, expectations are running high.
The process was simple. Passengers only had to mention their age while booking, and the discount was applied automatically. The facility was available both on IRCTC and at railway counters, with no extra paperwork involved.
At the time, the railways cited financial stress, noting that senior citizen concessions alone cost around ₹1,600-₹2,000 crore every year. Although train services eventually returned to normal, the discounted fares were never restored.
If the government decides to bring back railway concessions in Budget 2026, it would offer much-needed relief, and could turn this long-awaited budget into genuinely good news for India’s elderly travellers.
Among the most talked-about possibilities is the return of railway ticket concessions for senior citizens. According to sources, the Ministry of Railways has already sent a proposal to restore this benefit. While the issue did not come up in pre-budget meetings and no final call has been taken yet, expectations are running high.
What the Concession Looked Like Before COVID-19
Before the pandemic, Indian Railways offered generous discounts to elderly passengers. Men aged 60 years and above were given a 40 per cent concession, while women aged 58 years and above received a 50 per cent discount on train fares. This benefit applied across all classes—from Sleeper to First AC.The process was simple. Passengers only had to mention their age while booking, and the discount was applied automatically. The facility was available both on IRCTC and at railway counters, with no extra paperwork involved.
Why the Benefit Was Withdrawn
In March 2020, train services came to a halt as COVID-19 disrupted the entire railway network. Faced with massive financial losses running into thousands of crores, Indian Railways suspended several concessions, including those for senior citizens.At the time, the railways cited financial stress, noting that senior citizen concessions alone cost around ₹1,600-₹2,000 crore every year. Although train services eventually returned to normal, the discounted fares were never restored.
Why Senior Citizens Are Still Hopeful
Even today, elderly passengers continue to demand the return of this concession. For many seniors, income reduces sharply after retirement, and rising travel costs add to their financial burden. While pensioners have some support, a large section of senior citizens depends on family or limited savings.If the government decides to bring back railway concessions in Budget 2026, it would offer much-needed relief, and could turn this long-awaited budget into genuinely good news for India’s elderly travellers.
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