Top News

Indian Railways is one of the world’s largest transportation networks, and it continues to introduce passenger-friendly measures to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience — especially for senior citizens. Although fare concessions for elderly passengers were suspended a few years ago, several other supportive services are still actively being provided.

These special provisions aim to make rail travel more accessible and less strenuous for the elderly, helping them navigate stations and trains with ease. From reserved berths to mobility assistance, the Indian Railways has taken steps to accommodate the unique needs of senior citizens.

Let’s take a closer look at the five key facilities still available for senior citizens traveling with Indian Railways:

1. Lower Berth Reservation for Senior Citizens

To ensure comfort and ease during boarding and deboarding, Indian Railways reserves lower berths for elderly passengers. Men aged 60 and above and women aged 58 and above are eligible for this facility. These lower berths are available in Sleeper Class, AC 3-tier, and AC 2-tier coaches. If any lower berths remain unoccupied after departure, they are allotted to eligible senior citizens onboard.

This initiative ensures that elderly travelers do not have to climb to upper berths, making their journey significantly more comfortable.

2. Wheelchair Assistance at Stations

For seniors with limited mobility or difficulty walking, Indian Railways offers free wheelchair services at most major railway stations. This facility makes commuting within stations more manageable for elderly passengers. Additionally, porters or attendants are often available to assist with luggage and help passengers reach their platforms or board trains.

This support system is especially helpful at large and crowded stations where walking long distances can be challenging.

3. Dedicated Ticket Booking Counters

To eliminate the need for standing in long queues, Indian Railways has set up exclusive ticket booking counters for senior citizens and differently-abled individuals. These separate counters are available at most major stations and allow elderly passengers to book their tickets quickly and without hassle.

This not only saves time but also ensures a more dignified and stress-free booking experience for older travelers.

4. Battery-Operated Carts (Golf Carts)

At major railway stations, battery-operated vehicles — often referred to as golf carts — are available free of charge to assist elderly passengers. These carts help travelers move from the station entrance to platforms or from one platform to another without the need for extensive walking.

This service is particularly valuable for those with health conditions or mobility issues and is a step toward creating a more inclusive and accessible rail system.

5. Reserved Seats in Local Trains

In metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai, Indian Railways ensures that a certain number of seats in local trains are reserved exclusively for senior citizens. This allows elderly passengers to find seating easily, even during peak hours, making their daily commute or short-distance travel more convenient.

These reserved seats are clearly marked and are regularly monitored to ensure they are used appropriately.

What About the Senior Citizen Fare Concession?

Before 2020, Indian Railways offered fare discounts to senior citizens — 40% off for men aged 60 and above and 50% off for women aged 58 and above. However, this scheme was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and has not been reinstated since.

Despite repeated requests from senior citizens and social organizations, the Ministry of Railways has maintained that reintroducing fare concessions would strain its revenue. As of now, there are no official plans to resume this discount policy.

Final Thoughts

While the fare concession remains on hold, Indian Railways continues to prioritize the comfort and accessibility of senior citizens through various travel-friendly services. Whether it's assistance at stations or special seating arrangements, these facilities reflect the Railways' ongoing commitment to making journeys safer and more convenient for the elderly.

For those traveling with elderly family members, it's worth making use of these services — most of which are free — to ensure a smooth and stress-free rail journey.

---