Indian Railway: Indian Railways runs many schemes for the convenience of passengers. Some special facilities are provided especially for the elderly i.e. senior citizens. So that their journey is comfortable and easy. However, some time ago the Railways had stopped the fare concession.
Indian Railway: Indian Railways runs many schemes for the convenience of passengers. Some special facilities are provided especially for the elderly i.e. senior citizens. So that their journey is comfortable and easy. However, some time ago the Railways had stopped the fare concession, but the rest of the facilities are still continuing. Indian Railways has provided many facilities like lower berth, wheelchair, battery operated car and special ticket counter for senior citizens. But the fare concession is currently closed and there is no plan to start it again. Railways is constantly trying to increase the convenience of passengers so that the elderly do not face any problem in traveling.
Special facilities of Railways for elderly passengers
1. Lower berth facility
Men above 60 years of age and women above 58 years of age are given lower seats in the train so that they do not have trouble boarding and alighting. This facility is available in sleeper, AC 3 tier and AC 2 tier coaches. If any lower seat remains vacant after the train leaves, it is given to a senior citizen.
2. Wheelchair facility
Free wheelchairs are provided at railway stations. This facility is beneficial for those elderly people who have difficulty in walking. Along with wheelchairs, porters are also available for help.
3. Special ticket counters
Separate ticket booking counters have been set up at railway stations for the elderly and Divyang passengers. This saves them from standing in long queues and they get tickets quickly.
4. Battery-operated vehicles (golf carts)
Battery-operated vehicles (golf carts) are available free of cost at big railway stations. This facility is provided to transport the elderly and Divyang to the platform so that they do not have to walk much.
5. Special seats in local trains
Separate seats are reserved for senior citizens in local trains of cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai. This gives them a comfortable seat during the journey.
Will the fare discount be resumed or not?
Earlier, men above 60 years of age used to get 40% discount and women above 58 years of age used to get 50% discount. But this discount was discontinued during the Corona epidemic in 2020 and has not been started again till now. Many senior citizens and social organisations are demanding its reintroduction, but the Railways says that giving concession in fares will affect the Railways’ revenue.
