A train ticket, a long journey, and advancing age – for senior citizens, it's not just a trip, but a necessity. Some travel for medical treatment, some to visit their children, and others embark on pilgrimages. But for the past five years, one question has been on the minds of elderly passengers: where did the old railway ticket concession for senior citizens disappear to?

Now, ahead of Budget 2026, this issue has once again become a topic of intense discussion. According to sources connected to the Railways and the Finance Ministry, options are being considered regarding the old concession scheme for senior citizens. Although no official announcement has been made yet, such discussions before the budget are considered a significant indicator.

Since when did senior citizens receive concessions on railway tickets?
Indian Railways provided a direct discount on ticket fares to senior citizens for decades. This scheme was considered one of the country's oldest social welfare measures.

Male passengers (60 years or older) received a 40% discount on fares.
Female passengers (58 years or older) received up to a 50% discount.
This discount was applicable in almost all classes, including Sleeper, Third AC, Second AC, and First AC. Only the age needed to be entered while booking the ticket – no separate card, certificate, or additional process was required. This facility was available both for IRCTC online tickets and at railway counters.

When and why was this concession stopped?
In March 2020, the railway system completely collapsed with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Train services had to be suspended.
The number of passengers dropped historically.
The railways suffered revenue losses of thousands of crores of rupees.
During this time, the railways "temporarily" suspended the senior citizen concession.

The argument at the time was that the railways were already running on subsidies. The senior citizen concession costs ₹1,600-₹2,000 crore annually. Financial stability was the priority after the pandemic. However, the problem is that even after the end of the pandemic, trains running at full capacity, and fare increases, this concession has not been reinstated.

Why has the demand for its restoration suddenly intensified now? Over the past two years, this issue has resurfaced. The reasons are clear: inflation has risen sharply, but pensioners' incomes are limited. Medical expenses have increased manifold. While railway fares haven't increased directly, dynamic pricing, catering charges, reservation fees, and superfast surcharges have made travel more expensive.

This is why senior citizen organizations, social institutions, Members of Parliament, and elected representatives are continuously demanding that the government reinstate at least some relief for elderly passengers.

What's possible in Budget 2026?
According to sources, the government currently has several options under consideration: the complete restoration of the old concession scheme or partial relief (such as 30-40%). This could include relief only in sleeper and general classes, or concessions limited to a certain number of trips per year. This decision is not only economically sensitive for the railways but also socially and politically significant, given the rapidly growing number of senior citizens in the country.

What is the challenge for the railways?
The railways still argue that ticket concessions result in a direct revenue loss. The railways already subsidize several services. Increasing expenditure on infrastructure and safety is crucial. However, it is also true that senior citizen concessions have long been considered a part of the railways' social responsibility.

A major step for the elderly
Senior citizen ticket concessions have been more than just a scheme; they have been a symbol of respect and support. If the government takes any steps in this direction in Budget 2026, whether it's a complete restoration or limited relief, it would be a significant relief for millions of elderly passengers.

Now, all eyes are on February 1, 2026. The question is: will this budget finally bring back the old relief for elderly passengers that they have been waiting for for years?

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Zee Business. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.