News Alert: The Union Budget 2026-27 presented by the Finance Minister has allocated a record capital outlay for Indian Railways, focusing primarily on safety (Kavach System) and the rollout of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. However, for millions of elderly passengers waiting for relief, the Budget came with disappointment as no announcement was made regarding the restoration of Senior Citizen Concessions.
Despite the Parliamentary Standing Committee’s recommendation to resume the concession (at least for Sleeper and 3AC classes), the Ministry has maintained the status quo, citing the heavy subsidy burden. On a brighter note, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Fare Structure has been notified via Circular No. 03/2026.
• Budget 2026 Verdict: NOT Restored.
• Current Rule: Full fare applies to all passengers (except PwD/Patients).
• Future Hope: Decision pending with Railway Board (Separate from Budget).
Vande Bharat Sleeper: New Fare Rules (Circular 03/2026)
With the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains set to replace major Rajdhani routes this year, the Railway Board has released the fare structure. The base fare will be approximately 1.1 to 1.2 times the fare of existing Rajdhani Express trains.
Fare Breakdown (Tentative):
| Class | Fare Comparison | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| AC 3-Tier (3A) | Rajdhani 3A + 10% | Sensor Doors, Bio-Vacuum Toilets |
| AC 2-Tier (2A) | Rajdhani 2A + 15% | Ergonomic Berths, Reading Lights |
| First AC (1A) | Rajdhani 1A + 20% | Shower Cubicle, Premium Catering |
Employees traveling on duty should check their entitlement. Refer to the Latest Da On Tour 2026 Hotel Food Travel Rates Level Wise Rules to see if Vande Bharat Sleeper fits within your travel entitlement (Level 6 and above).
New Ticket Booking Rules: Aadhaar Mandatory?
To curb touts and streamline the Tatkal booking process, Indian Railways is testing a new Aadhaar-linked Booking System for priority trains. As per the latest updates:
- Priority Booking: Users with Aadhaar-verified profiles on IRCTC may get a 15-minute head start during Tatkal opening.
- Limit: Verified users can book up to 12 tickets a month (up from 6).
This move aims to ensure that genuine passengers get confirmed berths. For regular employees, checking the Latest Railway Hrms User Guide How To Book E Pass Ticket Apply Leave Rules is essential for booking privilege passes online.
Why was the Concession Not Restored?
The Railway Minister has repeatedly stated in Parliament that the “low passenger fare” is already a form of subsidy (approx 53% subsidy for every passenger). Restoring the explicit 50% concession for Senior Citizens would cost the exchequer an additional ₹2,000+ Crore annually.
Exceptions: Concessions continue for Divyangjan (PwD), Cancer Patients, and Students. The rules for these categories remain unchanged.
Will Senior Citizen concession come back in 2026?
It is unlikely to return in its old form (50% off). The government may consider a restricted version (e.g., only for Non-AC classes or age 70+) later, but no announcement was made in the Budget.
Is Vande Bharat Sleeper fare higher than Rajdhani?
Yes. The base fare is slightly higher due to better amenities and speed. However, dynamic pricing (flexi-fare) may make it significantly costlier during peak seasons.
Can I use my Railway Pass on Vande Bharat Sleeper?
Yes, Railway employees can use their Privilege Passes/PTOs on Vande Bharat trains. The berth quota and entitlement are similar to Rajdhani Express rules.
हिंदी सारांश
बजट 2026 में वरिष्ठ नागरिकों (Senior Citizens) के लिए रेल किराए में छूट (Concession) बहाल नहीं की गई है। सरकार ने स्पष्ट किया है कि फिलहाल सभी यात्रियों को पहले से ही सस्ती टिकट दी जा रही है। दूसरी ओर, वंदे भारत स्लीपर ट्रेनों का किराया जारी कर दिया गया है जो राजधानी एक्सप्रेस से थोड़ा महंगा होगा। IRCTC पर आधार-लिंक्ड बुकिंग से तत्काल टिकट मिलने में आसानी होगी।
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