Platform Ticket Scheme : Indian Railways has once again taken a commendable step to support its senior citizen passengers. In a surprising and generous move, a new initiative is being rolled out that allows eligible senior citizens to purchase railway platform tickets at just ₹1. This scheme aims to promote accessibility and ease of travel for elderly citizens, ensuring that age does not become a barrier to travel or accompanying loved ones to the station.
Let’s explore how this new policy works, who can avail it, and what it means for the wider railway system.
What Is the ₹1 Platform Ticket Scheme?
The ₹1 platform ticket initiative is a pilot scheme introduced by Indian Railways with a special focus on senior citizens. Under this plan, people aged 60 years and above can get a platform ticket at a drastically reduced price of ₹1 at select railway stations.
Key Objectives of the Scheme:
- To offer better accessibility to the elderly.
- To provide a low-cost way for seniors to accompany or receive relatives at railway platforms.
- To promote social inclusion through transportation support.
- To test the feasibility of senior-citizen specific benefits in railway operations.
Who Is Eligible for the ₹1 Ticket?
The offer is not open to all, and there are specific eligibility criteria one must meet to claim this benefit.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Must be aged 60 years or above.
- Must present valid age proof such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or Passport.
- The offer is currently valid only at select railway stations under the pilot project.
see more : Double Bonanza for Elders
How to Avail the ₹1 Platform Ticket?
Getting the ticket is a simple and straightforward process. Both online and offline modes are being tested at selected stations.
Availing Process:
- Visit the platform ticket counter at a participating railway station.
- Present a valid age proof document.
- Pay ₹1 to get the platform ticket.
Alternatively, Indian Railways is testing a digital kiosk-based method where senior citizens can scan their Aadhaar card and receive the ₹1 ticket instantly.
Key Railway Stations Participating in the Scheme
As of now, the scheme is being rolled out as a pilot project in selected stations across different zones. More stations may be added based on the success of the initial launch.
Sample Table: Pilot Stations Where ₹1 Ticket is Available
| Zone | Station Name | Ticket Counter Available | Digital Kiosk Available | Contact for Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Railway | New Delhi | Yes | Yes | 139 |
| Southern Railway | Chennai Central | Yes | No | 044-25330714 |
| Eastern Railway | Howrah Junction | Yes | Yes | 033-26413660 |
| Western Railway | Mumbai Central | Yes | Yes | 022-23070550 |
| South Central | Secunderabad | Yes | No | 040-27700868 |
| North Eastern | Gorakhpur | Yes | No | 0551-2201790 |
| South Western | Bengaluru City | Yes | Yes | 080-22155366 |
| East Coast | Bhubaneswar | Yes | No | 0674-2534026 |
Other Railway Benefits Available to Senior Citizens
In addition to this ₹1 platform ticket initiative, Indian Railways already provides several other benefits to senior citizens.
List of Ongoing Benefits:
- 50% Fare Concession for women above 58 and men above 60 years in sleeper and 2S classes (currently under review for reinstatement post-COVID).
- Dedicated Lower Berths for senior citizens.
- Wheelchair Assistance at major stations.
- Priority Booking Facilities through PRS.
- Senior Citizen Quota in long-distance trains.
Impact and Public Response
Since the announcement of this scheme, the response from the public—especially the elderly and their families—has been overwhelmingly positive.
Positive Outcomes Expected:
- Increased use of railway platforms for safe see-off and reception.
- Boost in public perception of Indian Railways’ inclusivity.
- Better engagement of senior citizens with the transport network.
- Potential reduction in fare evasion incidents at platforms.
Future Plans and Expansion
Depending on the response and operational success of the pilot scheme, Indian Railways may expand the initiative to all major stations nationwide. Talks are also ongoing to integrate the scheme with the DigiLocker and UTS app for seamless digital availing in future phases.
Expansion Strategy May Include:
- Nationwide roll-out by end of the year.
- Online ticket generation for Aadhaar-linked UTS accounts.
- Automatic age verification system at smart kiosks.
This ₹1 platform ticket for senior citizens is a small yet significant step toward making public transportation more inclusive. It not only reduces the financial burden for elders but also honors their right to mobility and social interaction. As the pilot expands, this initiative may well become a standard offering from Indian Railways in the future, reflecting a people-first approach to transportation governance.
This scheme is currently in the pilot stage and may not be available at all stations. Passengers are advised to check with their nearest railway station or the official Indian Railways website for the latest updates and participating locations.
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