While a lot of people in the country criticize the steps taken by the Government of India for welfare of senior citizens for not being enough, many people are not aware about the existing benefits. We try to bring out list of benefits that can be utilized by senior citizens in India especially when they are travelling via road transport or railway or air.
Transportation: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways:
• Reservation of two seats for senior citizens in front row of the buses of the State Road Transport Undertakings.
• Some of the State Governments are giving fare concession to senior citizens in the State Road Transport Undertaking buses and are introducing Bus Models, which offer highest level of senior citizen care & comfort.
Under Delhi Transport Corporation:
Free/Concessional Passes: – DTC provides all route concessional bus pass @ ` 50 per month to Senior Citizens subject to their annual income is below `75000.
Benefits that can be claimed while travelling by Indian rail:
1. Indian Railways provide 30% concession in all classes and trains including Rajdhani/ Shatabadi trains for both males and females aged 60 years and above.
2. Indian Railways also have the facility of separate counters for Senior Citizens for purchase/booking/cancellation of tickets.
3. Wheel Chairs for use of older persons are available at all junctions, District Headquarters and other important stations for the convenience of needy persons including the older persons.
4. Ramps for wheel chairs movement are available at the entry to important stations.
5. Specially designed coaches with provisions of space for wheel chairs, hand rail and specially designed toilet for handicapped persons have been introduced. Although this is yet to be introduced in all the trains, you are requested to check this with TTE.
Airfare benefits:
1. Air India is providing 50 per cent Senior Citizen Discount on Normal Economy Class fare for all domestic flights to Indian senior citizens who have completed the age of 63 years.
2. Jetlite offers a discount of 50% on economy class for citizens of 65 years or above. One passport sized photograph required on the form along with age proof.
3. Jet Airways offers discount to senior citizens of 65 years or above. For availing discount in domestic flights, senior citizens have to fill up a discount form along with a passport sized photograph and Age proof certificate.
4. Jet Airways also provides Senior Citizen I-Card which is available in all ticket counters and requires 2 passport sized photographs and age proof certificate. For the I-Card a very nominal amount is charged.
We will talk & share more details about senior citizens I card in our next blog post. Meanwhile, if you feel we might have missed upon any benefit from the list, feel free to share it in the comments box.
