Indian Railways offers significant fare concessions to senior citizens — one of the most generous in the world. If you or your family member is travelling by train, understanding this discount can save hundreds of rupees per trip.
Senior Citizen Concession: Discount Percentage
| Category | Age Eligibility | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Citizen Male | 60 years and above | 40% on basic fare |
| Senior Citizen Female | 58 years and above | 50% on basic fare |
Note: The discount is on basic fare only. Reservation charges, superfast surcharge and GST are charged at full rate.
Which Train Classes Are Covered?
The senior citizen concession applies to all classes:
- First AC (1A)
- Second AC (2A)
- Third AC (3A)
- Sleeper (SL)
- Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC)
- Second Sitting (2S)
Which Trains Are Covered?
The concession applies to all express, mail, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat and other passenger trains. It does not apply to special tourist trains or special fare trains.
How to Avail the Concession on IRCTC
- Go to irctc.co.in or IRCTC Rail Connect app
- Fill in the passenger details including exact date of birth
- If the age meets eligibility, IRCTC will automatically show the discounted fare
- Select Senior Citizen concession option if prompted
- Complete payment — the reduced fare will be charged
Documents to Carry During Travel
Always carry a valid age proof while travelling with senior citizen concession:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Voter ID with date of birth
- Any other government-issued document showing date of birth
The Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) can ask for proof at any time. Travelling without valid proof may result in the concession being cancelled and full fare being charged.
Lower Berth Quota for Senior Citizens
Indian Railways reserves a certain number of lower berths for senior citizens (60+ male, 45+ female travelling alone) in Sleeper and AC classes. When booking on IRCTC, eligible passengers may get lower berth preference automatically.
Track Your PNR After Booking
After booking a senior citizen ticket, use PNR Alert to check PNR status and subscribe for free WhatsApp alerts. If the ticket is waitlisted, you will get a WhatsApp notification the moment it gets confirmed.