Train Fare Concession : Indian Railways has reintroduced train fare concessions for senior citizens starting June 1, bringing relief to lakhs of elderly passengers who had been demanding the return of this benefit since it was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Railways has officially issued new guidelines outlining who qualifies for the discount and how to claim it under the revised policy.
This article provides complete details of the new senior citizen train fare concession rules, including eligibility criteria, discount percentages, train categories covered, and application procedures.
What Is the New Train Fare Concession for Senior Citizens?
From June 1, 2025, eligible senior citizens can avail fare discounts on passenger, express, and mail trains across the country. The move is part of the government’s broader welfare push to support elderly citizens with essential services.
Key Highlights:
- Concession resumes after being discontinued post-COVID.
- Applicable for men aged 60 and above, and women aged 58 and above.
- Concession is available for sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC classes.
- Discounts apply to base fare only, not other charges like GST or reservation fees.
Eligibility Criteria for Train Fare Concession
Not all senior citizens will automatically qualify. The eligibility norms have been slightly modified under the new rules.
Who Is Eligible:
- Male passengers aged 60 years and above.
- Female passengers aged 58 years and above.
- Indian nationals with valid age-proof documents.
Who Is Not Eligible:
- Foreign nationals and NRI passengers.
- Senior citizens traveling under corporate or group bookings.
- Passengers already availing other railway concessions.
Percentage of Discount and Class-wise Fare Relief
The concession amount varies depending on the gender of the passenger and the class of travel.
Concession Rates Table:
| Passenger Type | Age Criteria | Sleeper Class Discount | 3AC Class Discount | 2AC Class Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 60+ years | 40% | 40% | 40% |
| Female | 58+ years | 50% | 50% | 50% |
| Transgender | 60+ years | 40%-50% (based on ID) | 40%-50% | 40%-50% |
Note: No discount applicable for 1AC or Executive Class.
How to Avail the Senior Citizen Discount
Availing the concession is easy but requires following the correct booking method.
Booking Process:
- While booking online via IRCTC, check the ‘Senior Citizen Concession’ box.
- Provide valid age-proof such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport.
- At the time of boarding, carry the same ID for verification.
- Booking can also be done at physical counters with proper documentation.
Important Reminders:
- No concession on tatkal or premium tatkal tickets.
- Group bookings will not be eligible for concession.
- Discounts apply only to base fare; other charges are extra.
Concession Rules Based on Train Type
Not all train types provide the same benefits. Here’s how the concession applies:
| Train Type | Concession Applicable | Classes Eligible | Booking Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mail/Express Trains | Yes | Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC | Online and Offline |
| Shatabdi | Yes (limited seats) | Chair Car, Executive | Online with ID proof |
| Rajdhani | Yes (limited seats) | 3AC, 2AC | With valid documents |
| Garib Rath | Yes | 3AC | Only on IRCTC platform |
| Premium Trains | No | N/A | Not applicable |
Documents Required for Booking with Concession
To prevent misuse and ensure smooth boarding, Indian Railways has listed mandatory documents.
Accepted Proofs:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Senior Citizen Certificate (if available)
Why the Concession Was Reintroduced
The concession had been suspended in March 2020 due to COVID-19, to reduce financial burdens on the Railways. However, following sustained public demand and political pressure, the government has reinstated the benefit with slightly revised rules and better identification measures to prevent misuse.
The return of senior citizen train fare concessions is a welcome move for millions of elderly passengers who rely on Indian Railways for travel. With clearly defined eligibility, simplified booking procedures, and transparency in discount percentages, the revised scheme ensures both affordability and accountability.
Senior citizens are advised to review the new rules, keep their documentation updated, and use the official booking channels to ensure a smooth and discounted journey starting June 1, 2025.