Discount
Prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, senior citizens were afforded a fifty percent discount on railway tickets. However, this benefit ceased during the pandemic. However, this expectation can be seen once again with the next budget, 2024, as the Modi government starts its third term at the Centre.
Railways: An Essential Component of the Transport System in India
Here, railway transport is also an essential and cheap means of transport for the economic development of India. As the Modi government plans to announce the new budget, there is quite much emphasis on the augmentation of the Indian Railways.
Most believe that the government will raise the budgetary provision for railways. A key question remains: Will the government also look into the other long-standing demand of the elderly for a 50 percent concession in train fares?
Information on Previous Discounts
Till December 31, 2019, it provoked significant concessions on the fares for different trains such as Duronto, Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, Rajdhani, Mail, and Express for senior citizens aged 60 and women aged 58 and above.
Senior citizen men were charged at 40% less, while senior citizen women got a 50% discount. IRCTC provided these lesser fares on all standardized special express trains for elders as well.
What to Expect in Budget 2024
Since the government is likely to go extra miles on railways in the coming budget, the probability of a discount for senior citizens at 50% might be back.
This would be a relief to many elderly passengers who rely on railways to mostly and affordably transport themselves. From the announcement in the budget, it will be determined if the government will meet these long-overdue requirements.
They will not give. There is no need to wait till the budget if you give such concessions.