New Delhi :
In a potential budget breakthrough, senior citizens in India may once again enjoy significant train ticket discounts, with expectations running high for a government announcement in Budget 2024.
Pre-Covid Concessions Ceased:
Before the pandemic, senior citizens were entitled to 40-50% discounts on train tickets in India.
However, these concessions were suspended during the Covid era, leaving seniors without the previously enjoyed benefits.
Despite the global situation stabilizing, the government has yet to reinstate this privilege, prompting seniors to push for a revival in the upcoming budget.
Exemption Available Until 2019:
Until the close of 2019, IRCTC provided fare concessions to senior citizens aged 60 and above, as well as female passengers aged 58 and above.
This concession applied to various categories of trains, including Duronto, Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Mail and Express trains.
Male senior citizens were eligible for a 40% discount, while female seniors enjoyed a 50% reduction in train ticket prices.
Senior Citizens’ Plea for Ticket Discounts:
Senior citizens, who once benefited from a 40-50% reduction in train ticket prices, saw this service discontinued when the Covid pandemic emerged. As Budget 2024 approaches, seniors are expressing hope for the reintroduction of this special discount, eager to alleviate travel expenses.
Budget Day Expectations:
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2024 on February 1, 2024.
With the Lok Sabha elections looming, this budget holds particular significance as the last one in the Modi government’s second term.
While Sitharaman has downplayed expectations of major announcements, speculation is rife that the budget might include special provisions for senior citizens, a crucial voting demographic.
