The Indian Railways reserves seats, berths, compartments or carriage for passengers who are willing to book ticket in advance. This format is called as reservation ticket booking, and is generally given first preference. Advance reservations are made generally up to 120 days in advance for all classes and all trains. The period of advance reservation (ARP) is exclusive of the day of departure of the train. Interestingly, if you are booking ticket for a senior citizen, then the railways also give in some concession to that customer. This makes the ticket for senior citizen cheaper than compared to general passengers. However, there is a catch. And if you are booking a ticket for senior citizen, then you must take a note of these points.

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Firstly, the Indian Railways concession to senior citizens through PRS (Passenger Reservation System) shall be granted only on demand and not by default as at present.

Demand for concession shall be made on Reservation Requisition form in the case of reserved tickets.

If a concession is being issued to senior citizen, then a concerned passenger must carry documentary proof showing their age or date of birth, issued by any Government Institution/Agency/Local Body. like Identity card, Driving License, Passport, Educational certificate, certificate from Local Bodies like Panchayat/Corporation/Municipality, or any other authentic and recognised document.

This documentary proof of age should be produced if demanded by some Railway official during the journey.

In case if it is a women senior citizens, then the minimum age for availing concession is 58 years, and element of concession is 50% in Basic Fare only. For instance if the basic fare of the ticket is Rs 400 - this will become Rs 200 for this category.

As for men senior citizen, the minimum age for availing concession is 60 years, and the element of concession is 40% in Basic Fare only.

Hence, be aware of these concession while booking senior citizen ticket. But first make sure, they pass the age limit.