The coming days may bring good news for the country’s senior citizens. On February 1, 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the second full Union Budget of the Modi government’s third term. This budget is being widely described as a “Budget of Hope,” with expectations of relief measures for every section of society.

For elderly citizens in particular, a long-awaited demand may finally be fulfilled. According to sources, the railway ticket concession for senior citizens—discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic—may be reinstated in Budget 2026.

Why Is This Budget Important for Senior Citizens?

Before the COVID-19 outbreak, Indian Railways offered substantial fare concessions to elderly passengers:

• Men aged 60 years and above: 40% discount

• Women aged 58 years and above: 50% discount

These concessions were applicable across all classes, including Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, and 1AC.

However, in March 2020, amid heavy financial losses caused by the lockdown, Indian Railways temporarily withdrew this benefit. Since then, senior citizens have had to pay full fares, significantly increasing travel expenses during retirement years marked by limited income and rising inflation.

Railway Ministry’s New Proposal

According to recent inputs, the Railway Ministry has prepared a proposal to restore the senior citizen concession. While it has not yet received final approval in pre-budget discussions, policy experts believe that considering social welfare priorities and public sentiment, the government may announce the move in this year’s budget.

The concession is estimated to cost the Railways around ₹1,600–2,000 crore annually, but given the growing demand from elderly passengers, reinstating it could be a socially impactful decision.

Ticket Booking Process Will Remain Simple

If the concession is restored, senior citizens will not need to follow any new or additional procedure. As earlier:

• Passengers will only need to enter their age while booking tickets

• The discount will be automatically applied on the IRCTC portal or at railway reservation counters

This step would bring both financial relief and peace of mind to elderly citizens who depend heavily on railways for affordable travel.

All Eyes on February 1

Now, all attention is on the Union Budget presentation on February 1, 2026, to see whether the Finance Minister addresses this long-standing demand and delivers a meaningful gift to senior citizens.