Indian Railways provides ticket fare discounts to specific groups of passengers to make travel more affordable. These concessions are available for students, patients, and persons with disabilities. To avail of these benefits, passengers need to produce valid certificates or passes as per railway norms.
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Who can get discounts on train tickets?
The railway offers concessions to three main categories of passengers. Persons with disabilities can get up to 75% off in Sleeper and 3AC, and 50% in 1AC and 2AC. Patients suffering from 11 specific diseases, including cancer and kidney ailments, can get between 50% to 100% discount. Students traveling for education or exams can get 50% to 75% off depending on their category and class of travel.
What are the latest rules and digital updates?
The railway has shifted towards digitalization to make the process easier. From January 18, 2025, the process for obtaining concession certificates for persons with disabilities became online. By June 1, 2026, digital passes via the HRMS portal became mandatory for railway employees, pensioners, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, a valid UDID card is now required for disabled passengers to travel in designated coaches.
Important details on concessions and eligibility
| Category | Max Discount | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Persons with Disabilities | 75% | UDID Card / Railway Certificate |
| Patients (11 Categories) | 100% | Medical Certificate from Govt Hospital |
| General Students | 50% | Bonafide Certificate & ID Card |
| SC/ST Students | 75% | Bonafide Certificate & ID Card |
It is important to note that senior citizen concessions remain suspended since March 2020, though the ministry is considering their restoration in the 2026 budget. Most concessions apply to the basic fare for journeys over 300 km and are generally not applicable in premium trains like Vande Bharat or Rajdhani, except in specific cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can senior citizens still get discounts on train tickets?
No, senior citizen concessions were suspended on March 20, 2020, and have not been restored yet, although the government is considering it for 2026.
How can disabled passengers apply for the concession?
The process has been online since January 18, 2025, and passengers must carry a valid UDID card or a railway-issued concession certificate.