Budget 2026: Will Senior Citizens Get 50% Discount on Train Tickets? Budget May Bring Relief

As the Union Budget 2026–27 draws closer, expectations are rising among senior citizens across the country. With Indian Railways set to increase passenger fares from December 26, 2025, elderly travelers are once again looking toward the central budget for relief. Although life has largely returned to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic, one major benefit for senior citizens has yet to be restored—the concession on train ticket fares.

For years, senior citizens have been demanding the reinstatement of this long-standing facility. Now, with Budget 2026 just around the corner, hopes are high that the government may finally address this issue.

Why Senior Citizens Are Hoping for Relief in Budget 2026

Travel becomes both essential and expensive at an advanced age. Many senior citizens need to travel for medical treatment, religious purposes, or to visit family members. At the same time, income levels tend to decline after retirement, with many elderly people depending on pensions or savings.

Against this backdrop, the proposed railway fare hike has further added to their concerns. As a result, senior citizens are urging the government to bring back the pre-COVID train ticket concessions, which once made long-distance travel far more affordable for them.

Indian Railways to Increase Fares From December 26

Indian Railways has announced a marginal hike in passenger fares effective December 26, 2025. According to official estimates, this move could help the Railways generate an additional ₹600 crore in revenue.

The fare hike will apply only to journeys exceeding 215 kilometers. Under the revised structure:

• In general category trains, passengers will pay an additional 1 paisa per kilometer.

• In mail and express trains, both non-AC and AC categories will see an increase of 2 paisa per kilometer.

While the increase may appear small, it adds to the financial burden for senior citizens who frequently undertake long-distance travel.

Senior Citizen Concessions Before COVID-19

Before the pandemic, Indian Railways offered substantial discounts to elderly passengers. Until 2019, the rules allowed:

• 40% fare concession for men aged 60 years and above

• 50% fare concession for women aged 58 years and above

These discounts were applicable across major train categories, including Mail, Express, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto trains.

For example, a First AC ticket on a Rajdhani Express that cost around ₹4,000 would be available to senior citizens for approximately ₹2,000–₹2,300. This made even long-distance premium travel financially viable for elderly passengers.

Concession Withdrawn During the Pandemic

In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, the government temporarily suspended the senior citizen concession. The decision was taken at a time when passenger numbers had sharply declined and Indian Railways was facing severe financial pressure.

Although the suspension was described as temporary, the concession has not been reinstated even after passenger traffic returned to pre-pandemic levels. Trains are once again running at near-full capacity, but senior citizens continue to pay full fares, leading to growing dissatisfaction.

What Senior Citizens Are Demanding Now

Senior citizens argue that the circumstances under which the concession was withdrawn no longer exist. With the pandemic behind us and railway revenues stabilizing, they believe it is only fair to restore the benefit.

Their key demand ahead of Budget 2026 is the reintroduction of railway ticket concessions, preferably at the earlier level of up to 50% discount. Many believe that such a move would reflect the government’s commitment to social welfare and elderly care.

All Eyes on February 1, 2026

The Union Budget 2026 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026. Senior citizens across the country are closely watching the announcements, hoping the government will finally respond to their long-pending request.

If the budget includes provisions for restoring railway concessions, it could provide direct relief to millions of elderly passengers and make travel more accessible for them. Beyond financial relief, such a decision would also be seen as a gesture of respect and support for senior citizens.

For now, expectations remain high. Whether Budget 2026 delivers this long-awaited benefit or not will soon be clear, but for senior citizens, the hope of affordable train travel is firmly pinned on the upcoming budget.