Budget 2026: Are Railway Fare Discounts for Senior Citizens Making a Comeback?

With the Union Budget set for February 1, 2026, senior citizens across India are keeping a close eye on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Their anticipation has grown louder after Indian Railways raised train fares from December 26, 2025, leaving many elderly travelers concerned about the rising cost of travel.

Fare Hikes Hit Long-Distance Travel

Railways increased fares for journeys over 215 kilometers. General category passengers will now pay 1 paisa per kilometer, while non-AC and AC travelers will pay 2 paisa per kilometer on mail and express trains. The move is expected to generate an extra Rs 600 crore in revenue, but for senior citizens, it means higher expenses.

The Pre-Covid Senior Citizen Discount

Before the pandemic, traveling long distances was far more affordable for seniors. Men over 60 enjoyed a 40% discount, and women above 58 got 50% off on Mail, Express, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto trains. A first AC ticket on a Rajdhani priced at Rs 4,000 could cost seniors just Rs 2,000-2,300, a significant saving that made journeys easier on their pockets.

Why Discounts Disappeared

In 2020, during the Covid-19 crisis, the government temporarily halted these discounts due to low passenger numbers and financial pressures on Railways. But trains are packed again, revenue has improved, and yet the exemption hasn’t returned, much to the frustration of elderly travelers.

Budget Hopes

Post-retirement, seniors often depend on fixed pensions or savings. Travel for medical visits, family, or religious events is common, and rising fares add to their financial burden. Many now hope the 2026 budget will bring relief by reinstating the railway ticket discount. If the government acts, millions of senior citizens could once again enjoy affordable long-distance travel.

Rising railway fares have put senior citizens in a tight spot, highlighting the need for targeted support. Reintroducing the ticket discount would not only ease their financial burden but also encourage more elderly travelers to continue journeying comfortably across the country. The upcoming budget is now seen as a key opportunity to restore this much-awaited benefit.