Indians basically maintain the interest of its elder population. With this spirit, the Indian Railways looks to fully realize the wishes of their elderly population. It has taken steps to restore the travel concession to senior citizens from 2025 onward. The resumption of the scheme came after almost an interval of four years since these senior citizen discounts were withdrawn during the Covid times due to hard financial condition.
Background
Prior to the pandemic situation, Indian Railways gave a ticket fare discount of 40% to men above 60 years of age and 50% to women above 58 years for various classes, including sleeper and AC coaches. While these discounts largely helped lept in traveling aged citizens who lived mostly on a fixed income or pension, the worldwide health crisis shadowed the imperative of cutting down or raising expenditures. Hence the scheme for discount was thrown aside in March 2020.
What Are The Changes Coming In 2025?
The restoration of the scheme, countenancing some newer facets, shall tend towards benefitting passengers more and taking care of interests of the Railways:
- Criteria for Age: Persons 60-and-over-the age of 60 men and 58-and-over-women shall continue to qualify.
- Class Discounts: These concessions will henceforth be available only in Sleeper Class, 3AC, and 2AC; other categories, including luxury trains and premium Tatkal bookings, are excluded.
- Digital Verification: To ease the process, Railways shall deploy a new online age verification system linked with Aadhaar at the time of booking.
- Online Booking: Through IRCTC, and authorized agents, the discount can be availed by individuals.
Estimated Impact
According to official figures, nearly 2.4 crores of senior citizens were availing of the concession annually before it was suspended. This move is likely to encourage travel among the elderly, particularly those residing in non-urban areas; it is also viewed as a social welfare initiative that endorses inclusive and affordable transportation.
Public Reactions
Many advocacy groups and pensioners’ associations, apart from the public, welcomed this announcement. It was hailed as “the right decision at the right time” acknowledging the peasant-like conditions of senior citizens.
Conclusion
Bringing back concessions for the elderly is a positive decision in the direction of restoring pre-pandemic benefits and improving accessibility for the elderly population in India. As the scheme is due for a restart in 2025, it again witnesses the Government’s endeavor toward inclusive growth and welfare for senior citizens.
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