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The upcoming Union Budget 2026 could turn out to be a moment of relief and renewed hope for millions of senior citizens across India. On February 1, 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the second full budget of the Modi government’s third term, and expectations are running high among various sections of society.

Among the most discussed possibilities is the return of railway fare concessions for senior citizens, a benefit that was discontinued nearly six years ago. According to sources familiar with pre-budget discussions, the government is actively considering restoring this long-pending facility, making Budget 2026 especially significant for elderly passengers.

Why Budget 2026 Matters for the Elderly

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Railways offered generous travel concessions to senior citizens. Male passengers aged 60 years and above were eligible for a 40% discount, while women aged 58 years and above enjoyed a 50% concession on ticket fares.

These benefits applied across all major travel classes, including Sleeper, Third AC, Second AC, and First AC. However, in March 2020, as rail services were disrupted due to the nationwide lockdown and revenues declined sharply, the Railway Ministry suspended these concessions as a temporary cost-cutting measure.

Since then, senior citizens have been paying full fares, which has been particularly challenging for retirees living on fixed or limited incomes amid rising inflation and healthcare expenses.

Railway Ministry’s Proposal Under Review

Recent developments suggest that the Railway Ministry has prepared a proposal to reinstate fare concessions for elderly passengers. While the final approval is still pending, policy experts believe that the government may announce the decision during the Union Budget to send a strong social welfare message.

According to estimates, restoring the concession would cost the Railways approximately ₹1,600–₹2,000 crore annually. Despite the financial impact, analysts argue that the move could significantly improve travel affordability for senior citizens and enhance the government’s welfare-focused image.

How Ticket Booking Could Become Easier

If the concession is reintroduced, the booking process is expected to remain simple and familiar. Senior citizens would only need to enter their age details while booking tickets through the IRCTC website, mobile app, or railway reservation counters. The discounted fare would be applied automatically, just as it was before 2020.

For elderly travellers, this would mean not only lower ticket prices but also reduced dependence on others for travel expenses, making long-distance journeys more accessible and stress-free.

All Eyes on February 1

With Budget Day approaching, senior citizens and their families are closely watching whether the government addresses this long-standing demand. If announced, the return of railway concessions could become one of the most welcomed decisions of Budget 2026, offering both financial relief and emotional reassurance to India’s elderly population.