Senior Citizen Ticket Discount : Once again, there’s great news for senior citizens in India. The Indian Railways has announced a special concession on train tickets for senior citizens starting June 2025. This decision comes as a huge relief for elderly passengers who rely on trains as their primary mode of travel, whether for daily commuting or long-distance journeys.
The government has taken this step keeping in mind the rising cost of living and the convenience of elderly travelers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Railways had temporarily suspended the senior citizen concessions, which had made travel more expensive and difficult for the elderly.
Now, the Ministry of Railways has decided to reintroduce this benefit to make travel more affordable for seniors under the “Senior Citizen Ticket Concession Scheme 2025.” The aim of this initiative is to restore the same travel privileges that were available before 2020.
Senior Citizen Ticket Discount : New Update
From June 1, 2025, the Indian Railways has officially reinstated the Senior Citizen Fare Concession Scheme. According to the new policy:
- Male passengers aged 60 years or above will receive a 40% discount on train tickets.
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Female passengers aged 58 years or above will receive a 50% discount.
This discount will be applicable across all reserved travel classes — Sleeper, Second AC (2AC), Third AC (3AC), and Chair Car. The concession will especially benefit long-distance and express trains, helping senior travelers journey comfortably and affordably.
In addition, on certain social welfare trains — such as Pilgrimage Special Trains — the discount will go up to 80%, fully funded by the government.
Eligibility and Required Documents
To avail of the concession:
- Male passengers must be at least 60 years old, and female passengers must be 58 years or older.
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Passengers must provide age proof while booking tickets, such as an Aadhaar card or another valid government ID.
The concession will be available for tickets booked both online via the IRCTC website and offline at railway reservation counters.
However, the discount will not apply to Tatkal tickets or premium trains like Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, or Duronto Express.
Booking and Other Facilities
The Railways has also introduced special travel facilities for senior citizens. During reservation, they will receive priority in berth allocation.
The computerized reservation system ensures that senior passengers are allotted lower berths for comfort and safety.
In each coach:
- Six lower berths in Sleeper Class and
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Three to four lower berths in AC Classes
are reserved for senior citizens, women aged 45 years or above, and pregnant women.
Additionally, certain trains now have a dedicated “Senior Citizen Quota” to make it easier for elderly passengers to secure seats.
Government’s Objective and Benefits
This move by Indian Railways is a major step toward improving the ease of travel for the country’s aging population. The Ministry of Railways stated that around 45% subsidy is already provided on train fares, and this new concession scheme is an additional relief.
The scheme will not only make travel cheaper and more accessible but will also help senior citizens remain socially active, visit family, and attend to personal or medical needs without financial strain. It enhances both their economic savings and travel comfort.
Conclusion
The Senior Citizen Ticket Concession Scheme 2025 is a welcome and compassionate initiative by Indian Railways. Amid rising inflation and increasing travel costs, this policy offers both financial and emotional support to the elderly.
In the coming years, it is expected that the government will expand these benefits further, ensuring that every senior citizen in India can travel comfortably, confidently, and affordably.
