Railways to treat women aged 58 as senior citizens

Women aged 58 years will be eligible to avail 50 per cent concession as senior citizens while men in the category will get a 40 per cent cut in their train fares from June 1.

"As announced in the Railways Budget speech for 2011-12, it has been decided to reduce the minimum age for availing concession from 60 years to 58 years in case of women senior citizens.

However, the element of concession will continue to remain at 50 per cent," the Ministry of Railways said on Wednesday.

"It has also been decided to increase the element of concession in case of senior citizens among men from 30 per cent to 40 per cent.

"The minimum age will, however, continue to be 60 years in case of men," it added.

As per existing provisions, senior citizens aged 60

years and above are eligible for concession in the basic fares of Mail and Express trains, and all inclusive fares of Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi trains.

The element of concession is 30 per cent for men and 50 per cent for women senior citizens.

The newly announced concession will be admissible on tickets purchased on and after June 1, but those who have already purchased tickets for travel on or after June 1, won't get any refund, the ministry said.