Budget 2025: Senior citizens have high expectations for Budget 2025, which will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025. This marks the first comprehensive budget since the Modi government assumed office for a third term. Consequently, senior citizens are hopeful that the benefits available before the COVID-19 pandemic will be reinstated.
Prior to the pandemic, Indian Railways offered significant discounts on train tickets for senior citizens, ranging from 40% to 50%. This concession applied to various train services, including Mail, Express, Rajdhani, and Shatabdi. Men aged 60 and older received a 40% discount, while women aged 58 and above enjoyed a 50% discount. However, these benefits were suspended during the pandemic.
Since 2020, there has been a persistent demand from senior citizens for the restoration of these discounts. After retirement, many seniors face limited income sources, making these concessions crucial for their travel, particularly for religious pilgrimages. The discontinuation of this facility has led to ongoing appeals for its revival, as it not only provided financial relief but also facilitated travel across the country.
Will there be any support in Budget 2025?
On February 1, 2025, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will unveil the first budget of the Modi government’s third term. Senior citizens are optimistic that their long-standing requests will finally be addressed. If the Railways offers ticket concessions once more, it will greatly assist countless senior citizens, allowing them to enjoy discounts on bookings for Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and other trains.