And the budget is coming up in a few days. The central budget is going to be presented on February 1. And the common man has a lot of expectations around the budget. Will the central government give any special gift in this budget too? Everyone is watching what Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces. Among these, one thing the common man has been waiting for for a long time. That is, will there be concessions for senior citizens in trains again?
With time, the cost has increased a lot. Recently, the railway fare has also been increased. From December 26, the Indian Railways has increased the fare for passengers after 215 kilometers. The fare in general compartments has increased by 1 paisa per kilometer and the fare for passengers in AC and non-AC compartments has been increased by 2 paisa per kilometer. The railways have informed that the railways will earn 600 crore rupees from this fare increase.
Also read –Planning to Buy a FASTag Annual Pass? Read This First to Avoid Online Scams
Before the Corona infection in 2020, Indian Railways used to give huge discounts on tickets for senior citizens. In Mail, Express, Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto Express trains, 40 percent discount was given to male passengers above 60 years of age and 50 percent discount was given to women above 58 years of age. This saved a lot of money for senior citizens. However, during the Corona period, that discount was withdrawn. After that, as soon as the infection subsided, many demanded that this discount be brought back. The demand was also made to the government. But it did not happen.
In the upcoming 2026 budget, the public once again hopes that the system of discount for senior citizens on train tickets will be reintroduced. If the government takes this step, then lakhs of senior citizens will benefit.