Indian Railway: Indian Railways runs many schemes for the convenience of passengers. Especially some special facilities are provided for the elderly i.e. senior citizens. So that their journey is comfortable and easy. However, some time ago the Railways had stopped the fare concession, but the rest of the facilities are still continuing.

Indian Railways has provided many facilities like lower berth, wheelchair, battery operated car and special ticket counter for senior citizens. But the fare concession is currently stopped and there is no plan to start it again. Railways is constantly trying to increase the convenience of passengers so that the elderly do not face any problem in traveling.

Railway’s special facilities for elderly passengers

1. Lower berth facility

Men above 60 years of age and women above 58 years of age are given lower berths in the train so that they do not face any problem in boarding and deboarding. This facility is available in sleeper, AC 3 tier and AC 2 tier coaches. If any lower berth remains vacant after the train leaves, it is given to the senior citizen.

2. Wheelchair Accessible

Free wheelchairs are available at railway stations. This facility is beneficial for elderly people who have difficulty walking. Along with wheelchairs, porters are also available for help.

3. Special ticket counter

Separate ticket booking counters have been set up at railway stations for elderly and handicapped passengers. This saves them from having to stand in long queues and they get tickets quickly.

4. Battery Operated Vehicles (Golf Carts)

Battery operated carts (golf carts) are available free of cost at big railway stations. This facility is provided to the elderly and the disabled to reach the platforms so that they do not have to walk much.

5. Special seats in local trains

In the local trains of cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai, separate seats are reserved for senior citizens. This gives them a comfortable seat during the journey.

Will the fare discount resume or not?

Earlier, men above 60 years of age used to get 40% discount and women above 58 years of age used to get 50% discount. But this discount was discontinued during the Corona epidemic in 2020 and has not been started again till now. Many elderly passengers and social organizations are demanding to implement it again, but the Railways say that giving discount in fare will affect the income of the Railways.