Budget 2026: Will train tickets get 50% cheaper? Here’s what you can expect

As Union Budget 2026 approaches, expectations are rising among millions of railway passengers. Senior citizens, in particular, may soon receive long-awaited relief. According to media reports, Indian Railways is considering reinstating the senior citizen ticket concession that was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic

Post Published By: Sona Saini

Updated : 30 January 2026, 1:26 PM IST

Indian Railways Considers Restoring Senior Citizen Discount

New Delhi: The Union Budget 2026 is approaching, and people’s expectations are growing. Millions of train passengers are especially hopeful for some direct relief. At the same time, talks about a major benefit for senior citizens have gained momentum. According to media reports, Indian Railways is seriously considering bringing back the ticket concession for senior citizens.

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the budget in Parliament on February 1. It is believed that this budget may contain some important railway-related announcements. If the senior citizen concession is reinstated, it will be a significant gift for elderly travelers. This could make long-distance travel affordable again.

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What was the rule before the pandemic?

Prior to March 2020, the Indian Railways offered special discounts on ticket fares to senior citizens. According to the rules, female passengers aged 58 years and above received a 50 percent discount on tickets across all classes. This means that if a female passenger's First AC ticket cost ₹3,000, she would only have to pay ₹1,500.

How much discount did male passengers receive?

Meanwhile, male passengers aged 60 years and above were given a 40 percent discount on tickets. Consequently, on a ₹3,000 ticket, they received a discount of approximately ₹1,200 and only had to pay ₹1,800. This benefit was applicable across all classes, from Sleeper to First AC.

Why was facility discontinued during the COVID-19?

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the government took several strict measures to prevent unnecessary travel and promote social distancing. During this period, the senior citizen concession was temporarily suspended. However, even after the pandemic ended, this facility has not been restored, forcing senior citizens to pay the full fare.

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Why has the demand arisen again?

Railway services have now fully returned to normal, and the railways' financial situation has also improved. Consequently, the demand for the reinstatement of this concession from senior citizens is gaining momentum. It is reported that discussions have already taken place between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Railways on this issue.

The concession was hassle-free

The special feature of this facility was that it did not involve any complicated procedures. Passengers simply had to enter their age when booking tickets. Whether the ticket was booked through IRCTC or at a railway counter, the fare was automatically reduced upon age verification.

If this scheme receives the green light in Budget 2026, rail travel could once again become affordable and convenient for senior citizens.