Petition to:

Minister of Railways, Government of India

Prime Minister of India

Railway Board, Government of India

Why this petition matters

Senior citizens across India have been struggling ever since the Indian Railways discontinued the senior citizen travel concessions during the COVID-19 period.

Before 2020, the Railways provided:

40% concession for men aged 60+
50% concession for women aged 58+

For millions of elderly passengers, this concession was not a luxury—it was a basic support system enabling them to travel for medical care, family responsibilities, religious and cultural trips, and personal needs.

The reality today

India has over 150 million senior citizens, and a majority live on fixed or minimal incomes. According to government reports, nearly 70% of seniors have no pension or regular income. With rising travel costs and reduced affordability, many elderly people are being forced to cancel essential travel, miss medical appointments, or become socially isolated.

For those dependent on trains—the country’s most affordable long-distance travel system—this burden is severe.

This is not a financial burden—it is a moral responsibility

Senior citizens have contributed their entire lives to building this nation.

Reinstating their travel support is a matter of:

Dignity
Accessibility
Social well-being
Respect for elders

Countries across the world provide benefits to seniors—India must continue to lead with compassion.

Our demand

We request the Government of India and Indian Railways to reinstate the senior citizen concessions immediately, in any of the following practical ways:

Restore pre-2020 concession rates
OR offer concessions for Sleeper, 3AC, and Chair Car classes
OR use Aadhaar-based verification to prevent misuse
OR implement a means-tested concession for economically vulnerable seniors

Any of these options would provide relief without placing significant pressure on the Railways.

This is about humanity, not just policy

Removing the concession has affected widows, pensioners, elderly couples, and low-income seniors the most—especially those who travel long distances for health treatments, caregiving, and religious visits.

Reinstating this support will help millions live with dignity.

What we’re asking you to do

Please sign this petition and urge the Government of India and Indian Railways to immediately restore senior citizen concessions.

Your signature can help bring comfort, respect, and mobility back into the lives of India’s elderly citizens.

Let’s stand together for our seniors.

Let’s do what is right.