The Indian Railways is one such department which has always been concerned for its passengers, needless to say, under the ministry's initiatives millions of travellers have benefited. The Railways extends passenger fare concessions in as many as 53 categories, which include senior citizens, passengers with disabilities, cancer, thalassemia, heart and kidney patients, war widows students and others.
A glance at the Indian Railways' Concession Rules..
As per sources, the Indian Railways grants concession in the fares of all classes of Mail/Express/Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi/Duronto group of trains to Male Senior Citizens of minimum 60 years and Female Senior Citizen of minimum 58 years.
Even Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) guidelines say, the Senior Citizen discount will be given to- male passengers aged 60 and above and female passengers who have attained at least 58 years.
While male passengers are entitled for a 40 per cent concession on their tickets, the element of concession is 50 per cent for women.
To avail senior citizen concession on IRCTC e-ticketing website www.irctc.co.in, passengers need to possess a valid age proof ID first. While booking tickets, s/he has to click on the 'Option For Senior Citizen Concession' section of Passenger Details form and then 'Avail Concession' under it and provide the correct age.
But passengers need to make sure, that they carry the valid ID proof used during booking of tickets and show it to the TTE, if required.
Senior Citizen Passengers eligible for Senior Citizen concession who wish to opt out of the concession fully OR some part and contribute towards Nation Development may book their tickets without the concession element.
To book tickets without Senior Citizen concession, such passengers can select “Forgo Full Concession” option under “Option for Senior Citizen Concession” section of Passenger Details form.
To book tickets with 50 per cent of Senior Citizen concession, such passengers can select “Forgo 50% Concession” option under “Option for Senior Citizen Concession” section of Passenger Details form.