Railway Ticket 2026: In this year’s Union Budget (2026), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to announce something big about train tickets for senior citizens. Sources say that Indian Railways is thinking about bringing back the senior citizen concession that was put on hold in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If it gets the green light, a ticket that used to cost Rs 3,000 could be available for just Rs 1,500.

Media reports indicate that there were talks between the Finance Ministry and the Railway Ministry before the budget was finalized. If it goes through, men aged 60 and older and women aged 58 and older will once again be able to buy train tickets at discounted rates.

What was the discount like before COVID?

After COVID-19 hit in 2020, Indian Railways stopped offering ticket discounts for senior citizens. Before the pandemic, Indian Railways provided discounts of 40% and 50% on all types of train tickets for male passengers aged 60 and above, and female passengers aged 58 and above. However, this was halted during the pandemic.

Now, the central government might announce this benefit again in the upcoming budget. This discount was applicable across almost all classes, including Sleeper, Third AC, Second AC, and First AC. If this system is reinstated, women aged 58 and older will be able to buy tickets at half price. So, if a ticket originally costs Rs 3,000, it will only be Rs 1,500. At the same time, men aged 60 and above will receive a 40% discount on any train ticket. A ticket that costs Rs 3,000 will be available for Rs 1,800.

What did one need to do to avail of this benefit?

To get the discount when booking tickets, all you needed was to show your age; no special card or separate process was necessary. This benefit was available both on the IRCTC online platform and at railway counters.