Senior Citizens Get 50% Train Fare Discount from June 15 – Here’s How to Avail It!

Train Fare Discount – Starting June 15, 2025, Indian Railways will reintroduce a major benefit for the elderly – a 50% concession on train fares for senior citizens. This move is expected to bring immense relief to millions of older adults who depend on train travel for visiting family, accessing healthcare, and other essential needs. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, how to apply, and the rules that apply.

Understanding the 50% Train Fare Discount

After being paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian Railways has officially confirmed that the senior citizen fare discount will resume from June 15, 2025. This benefit will be available for both male and female senior citizens traveling in all reserved classes.

Key highlights:

• Applicable for both men (60+) and women (58+)
• 50% concession on base fare in all classes
• Valid across all types of trains: Mail, Express, Superfast, and Rajdhani
• Booking available both online and at counters
• One-time age verification required

Who Is Eligible for the Discount?

The eligibility rules for availing this concession are simple and clearly defined by the Ministry of Railways.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Male senior citizens aged 60 years and above
• Female senior citizens aged 58 years and above
• Valid government-issued ID showing date of birth
• Indian citizens only
• Concession applicable only to base fare (not on dynamic pricing, taxes, or Tatkal)

Documents Required:

• Aadhaar card or PAN card (with DOB)
• Proof of identity at the time of travel
• Age verification during IRCTC registration (for online booking)

How to Avail the Senior Citizen Concession While Booking

Whether you’re booking tickets at a railway counter or online via IRCTC, the process to claim the concession is user-friendly.

Steps for IRCTC Online Booking:

1. Log in to your IRCTC account
2. Go to “My Profile” and update your senior citizen status with age proof
3. Search and select the desired train and class
4. During passenger details entry, select “Senior Citizen” under concession
5. The system will auto-calculate the fare with 50% discount
6. Complete payment and confirm booking

Steps at Railway Counters:

1. Visit your nearest reservation counter
2. Carry a government ID showing age
3. Request for senior citizen concession during ticket purchase
4. The clerk will apply the discount and issue a ticket at reduced fare

Concession Rules & Limits: What You Need to Know

It’s essential to understand the scope and limitations of the senior citizen train fare discount.

Important Guidelines:

• Concession is not applicable on Tatkal tickets
• Group bookings must mention all seniors individually
• Senior citizen concession is non-transferable
• Refunds will be processed as per the discounted fare only
• If concession not availed at time of booking, it cannot be claimed later

Train Classes Where Discount Is Available:

• Sleeper Class (SL)
• Second Class (2S)
• AC Chair Car (CC)
• AC 3 Tier (3A)
• AC 2 Tier (2A)
• First Class & AC First Class (1A, FC)

Senior Citizen Fare Comparison – With and Without Discount

Here is a comparison of train fare rates before and after the concession for typical routes.

Train Route	Class	Original Fare	50% Concession	Discounted Fare
Delhi to Mumbai	SL	₹600	50%	₹300
Kolkata to Chennai	3A	₹1,750	50%	₹875
Bengaluru to Delhi	2A	₹2,600	50%	₹1,300
Jaipur to Ahmedabad	CC	₹900	50%	₹450
Lucknow to Varanasi	2S	₹150	50%	₹75
Hyderabad to Pune	SL	₹500	50%	₹250
Chennai to Trivandrum	3A	₹1,100	50%	₹550
Bhopal to Indore	2S	₹100	50%	₹50

Which Trains Are Covered Under the Discount?

Senior citizen discount will apply to the following train categories:

• Passenger trains
• Express trains
• Superfast trains
• Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto (reserved class only)
• Jan Shatabdi (for AC and reserved coaches)

However, the concession will NOT apply to:

• Unreserved general class travel
• Tatkal quota bookings
• Premium dynamic fare trains like Tejas Express

Benefits Beyond the Discount – Why It Matters

This initiative is more than just a financial relief. It restores dignity and inclusivity for elderly citizens who travel frequently.

Broader Benefits:

• Enables seniors to stay connected with family
• Encourages travel for medical and spiritual reasons
• Reduces financial burden on pensioners
• Boosts senior participation in social events
• Aligns with government’s elderly welfare initiatives

Government’s Statement on the Scheme Revival

Railway Ministry officials stated that the decision was based on extensive consultations and public demand. The reintroduction of this scheme ensures that seniors can travel with ease and affordability.

According to the Ministry:

• Over 5 crore senior citizens availed this concession before 2020
• It had been temporarily suspended due to pandemic-related cost concerns
• Budgetary allocations are now in place to revive the benefit

(FAQs) About Train Fare Discount

Q1. Can I apply for this discount after booking the ticket?
No. The discount must be selected during ticket booking itself.

Q2. Is the concession applicable on Tatkal tickets?
No. It is not applicable on Tatkal or Premium Tatkal quotas.

Q3. Can a senior citizen travel alone and still get the discount?
Yes. The concession is for individual travelers who meet the age criteria.

Q4. Is the discount the same for men and women?
Yes. Both get 50% concession from June 15 onwards.

Q5. Will IRCTC automatically apply the discount?
Only if you’ve updated your senior citizen status with verified ID.

The return of the 50% train fare concession for senior citizens is a welcome move that brings much-needed financial relief and travel ease to millions of elderly passengers. With straightforward eligibility criteria and an easy booking process, availing this benefit is now simpler than ever. If you or your loved ones are eligible, ensure your documents are ready and update your IRCTC profile to start saving on train travel from June 15.