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| + | |||
| + | ====== How to apply for the railway disability concession card — complete 2026 guide ====== | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{ : | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{page> | ||
| + | |||
| + | <WRAP info> | ||
| + | **Quick answer.** Indian Railways gives **Divyangjan (PwD) citizens** a concession of **50% in 2nd class, sleeper, AC chair car, AC 3-tier**, and **75% in 1AC, 2AC, 1st class** — plus the **same concession to one escort** (with a few category exceptions). To use this online via IRCTC you need a **one-time Divyangjan registration**: | ||
| + | </ | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Vinay' | ||
| + | |||
| + | <WRAP center round box 80%> | ||
| + | //Vinay Salunke, 34, software tester in Andheri, Mumbai. 100% locomotor disability after a 2018 road accident; uses a wheelchair full-time. Has UDID since 2022, works full-time at a TCS Bangalore branch (remote).// | ||
| + | |||
| + | > "My sister' | ||
| + | |||
| + | —Vinay, March 2026 | ||
| + | </ | ||
| + | |||
| + | Indian Railways data (Ministry of Railways reply in Lok Sabha, Feb 2026): about **6.8 lakh Divyangjan IDs** are active for IRCTC concessional booking, covering only ~2.5% of India' | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== What it is — and who is eligible ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Indian Railway concession for Divyangjan is governed by **Railway Board Commercial Circulars 67/2016, 89/2018, 14/2022, and 06/2024**, plus the **Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (RPwD)**. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Eligibility — concession is available if the person has any one of these disabilities** (with prescribed minimum percentage from the RPwD list of 21 disabilities): | ||
| + | |||
| + | * **Orthopaedic / locomotor disability** — minimum **40%** (cannot travel without escort). | ||
| + | * **Visually impaired** — minimum **40%** (low vision or blindness). | ||
| + | * **Hearing-impaired** — both ears, minimum **40%**, and unable to perform travel without escort. | ||
| + | * **Mentally retarded / intellectual disability** — minimum **40%**. | ||
| + | * **Cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities, | ||
| + | * **TB / cancer / heart patients** — separate concession scheme (50% in 2nd class only); must carry medical certificate from a govt hospital head. | ||
| + | * **Persons with thalassaemia / haemophilia / kidney patients** — separate scheme; concession in 2nd class only. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Concession amounts (Trains):** | ||
| + | |||
| + | < | ||
| + | +--------------------------+--------------+--------------+ | ||
| + | | Train class | PwD | Escort | ||
| + | +--------------------------+--------------+--------------+ | ||
| + | | 2nd class / Sleeper / CC | 50% | 50% | | ||
| + | | AC 3-tier / AC chair car | 50% | 50% | | ||
| + | | 1st AC / AC 2-tier / 1st | 75% (50% in | 75% (50% in | | ||
| + | | | ||
| + | | | Shatabdi/ | ||
| + | | | Duronto) | ||
| + | | Premium/ | ||
| + | | | ||
| + | +--------------------------+--------------+--------------+ | ||
| + | </ | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Escort:** 1 escort gets the **same concession** as the PwD person. Mandatory for visually impaired (totally blind), severe locomotor (cannot move without help), and hearing+speech impaired. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Quota:** A separate **Handicapped Quota (HP)** is reserved on most long-distance trains — typically 4 berths in sleeper, 2 in 2AC. Booked from the Divisional / Zonal HQ; allocated to lower-berth preference. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The legal anchor: **§39 of the RPwD Act 2016** (concessions in transport), **Railway Board Commercial Circular 14/2022** (consolidated PwD concession rules), and the **Indian Railways Code for Coaching Tariff Vol-I**. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Step-by-step process ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Step 1 — Get your UDID card ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | The **Unique Disability ID (UDID)** is the **single national disability ID** issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice. From 1 June 2024, **UDID is mandatory** for all disability concessions including Indian Railways. | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Apply on https:// | ||
| + | * Upload: passport photo, Aadhaar, signature, and an existing **disability certificate** (if you have one) OR appear at the **Government Medical Board** in your district for fresh certification. | ||
| + | * District CMO issues the disability certificate in the **prescribed RPwD format** within 30 days. | ||
| + | * UDID card issued in 60-90 days; downloadable PDF + physical card delivered by post. | ||
| + | * **Cost:** **FREE**. Beware of agents charging ₹500-₹2, | ||
| + | |||
| + | If your UDID is delayed beyond 90 days, you can use the **interim enrolment number** (visible on the portal) for railway concession — most divisions accept it pending UDID issue. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Step 2 — Create / verify your IRCTC account ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Open https:// | ||
| + | * Confirm via OTP. Profile must match the name on UDID + Aadhaar (any mismatch leads to booking rejection at PRS). | ||
| + | * **Aadhaar-based KYC** of the IRCTC account is recommended — speeds up tatkal + opens " | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Step 3 — Visit your nearest DCM / CCM office for Divyangjan registration ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | This is the step Vinay found annoying. The Railway requires **physical verification** of every Divyangjan applicant — even when UDID is already issued. There is no fully online registration as of April 2026 (a pilot ran in 2025 but is paused). | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Find your **Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM)** office on the relevant Zone's website. Examples: | ||
| + | - Western Railway: Bombay Central / Mumbai Central station. | ||
| + | - Central Railway: CSMT Mumbai. | ||
| + | - Southern Railway: Chennai Central. | ||
| + | - Eastern Railway: Howrah / Sealdah. | ||
| + | * Carry: original **UDID** + **disability certificate** (RPwD format) + **Aadhaar** + **2 passport photos** + **IRCTC user-ID printout** + **escort' | ||
| + | * Submit application Form-IRCTC-PWD-2 (available at the office). | ||
| + | * **Physical verification** by Assistant CCM / Senior DCM — typically same day for visible disabilities; | ||
| + | * **Issuance: | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Step 4 — Activate Divyangjan booking on IRCTC ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | * After your Divyangjan ID is issued, go to https:// | ||
| + | * Link your **Divyangjan ID** to your IRCTC profile → upload UDID image as supporting doc. | ||
| + | * The system marks your account as **PwD-eligible**. Subsequent bookings show " | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Step 5 — Book a train ticket with concession ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Search train as usual. | ||
| + | * On the **passenger details** page, choose **" | ||
| + | * Enter your Divyangjan ID for self; for escort, tick " | ||
| + | * Choose **HP (Handicapped) quota** if available — better seat / berth allocation. | ||
| + | * Pay → e-ticket generated with **fare automatically reduced**. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Step 6 — Carry documents while travelling ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Mandatory at all times during the journey: | ||
| + | |||
| + | * **Original UDID card** (or interim enrolment number printout). | ||
| + | * **Original disability certificate** (RPwD format). | ||
| + | * **Photo ID** (Aadhaar / PAN / driving licence). | ||
| + | * **Printed e-ticket** OR digital ticket with PNR + QR. | ||
| + | * Escort: their photo ID. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The **TTE** is empowered to refuse the concession on the spot if any of these is missing — even if booking shows correct concession. So always carry originals (or laminated photocopies + originals). | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Step 7 — For monthly / quarterly / suburban tickets ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | * **Mumbai locals (CR/WR), Kolkata Metro, Chennai suburban, Delhi NCR** — same concession applies for monthly season tickets, quarterly passes. | ||
| + | * Apply at the **suburban booking office** (Mumbai: any major station has a separate suburban concession counter). | ||
| + | * Same documents as Step 6. Concession applied at issue; pass issued with PWD endorsement and photo. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Step 8 — Renew before expiry ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Renew Divyangjan ID before the 5-year expiry. Process is similar (visit DCM office) but no medical re-verification needed if your UDID is still valid. | ||
| + | * If your **UDID** itself expires (for temporary disability — usually 5 years), get UDID renewed first on swavlambancard.gov.in, | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Sample fee + concession + reservation table ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | < | ||
| + | +----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+ | ||
| + | | Application fee (UDID) | ||
| + | +----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+ | ||
| + | | Application fee (Railway PwD ID) | NIL — free. | | ||
| + | +----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+ | ||
| + | | Validity of Railway PwD ID | 5 years (permanent disabilities) / | | ||
| + | | | matched to UDID temp validity. | ||
| + | +----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+ | ||
| + | | Concession in 2nd / Sleeper / CC | 50% (PwD + escort) | ||
| + | +----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+ | ||
| + | | Concession in AC 3T / AC chair | 50% (PwD + escort) | ||
| + | +----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+ | ||
| + | | Concession in 1AC / 2AC / 1st cl | 75% (mail/exp); 50% (Raj/ | ||
| + | +----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+ | ||
| + | | Vande Bharat / premium | ||
| + | | | (~25%); verify per-train circular. | ||
| + | +----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+ | ||
| + | | Tatkal booking on PWD | Allowed; no premium tatkal fee on | | ||
| + | | | concessional ticket. | ||
| + | +----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+ | ||
| + | | Handicapped Quota (HP) berths | ||
| + | | (typical long-distance train) | ||
| + | +----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+ | ||
| + | | Suburban / monthly season ticket | Same 50% / 75% concession. | ||
| + | +----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+ | ||
| + | | RTI to Railway Board re. denial | ||
| + | +----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+ | ||
| + | </ | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Common reasons your concession is denied or stuck ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | * **UDID still in process** and you have only the interim enrolment number — most DCM offices accept it, but some insist on physical UDID. Carry both UDID-status SMS + interim-enrolment printout. | ||
| + | * **Disability certificate not in RPwD format** (older "PWD Act 1995" certificate). Get re-issued in **RPwD 2016 format** by the District CMO — free, takes 2-4 weeks. | ||
| + | * **Name mismatch** between UDID, Aadhaar, IRCTC profile. Even a single-letter mismatch causes rejection at TTE. Fix the smaller record (usually IRCTC) to exactly match Aadhaar + UDID. | ||
| + | * **Booking made through agent / family member' | ||
| + | * **Escort booked separately** (different PNR). Escort concession requires booking on the **same PNR** as the PwD passenger. Re-book if needed. | ||
| + | * **HP quota full.** Only 4-8 seats; books out fast for festival travel. Book early or accept General quota with concession. | ||
| + | * **Vande Bharat / Tejas refused concession.** These trains have train-specific circulars; some allow concession at reduced rate, some don't. Check before booking. | ||
| + | * **Suburban TTE refuses to acknowledge season pass concession** — happens at smaller stations. Carry the original DCM-issued endorsement letter. | ||
| + | * **Refund of difference for already-booked full-fare ticket.** **Not allowed** if you forgot to apply concession at booking. The only remedy: cancel and rebook before chart preparation. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== If stuck — the escalation ladder ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Rung 1 — Station Manager / Chief Reservation Supervisor ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | * For booking-counter disputes, on-train issues — ask for the **Station Manager (SM)** or the **Chief Reservation Supervisor (CRS)**. Most divisions have a 24×7 SM at major stations. | ||
| + | * Carry all originals; ask for the issue to be recorded in writing. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Rung 2 — Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) office ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | * For Divyangjan ID issuance / renewal / verification disputes — direct the complaint to the DCM at your home division. | ||
| + | * **Email:** typically dcm.< | ||
| + | * **30-day SLA** for written complaints. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Rung 3 — RailMadad ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | * **App / Website:** https:// | ||
| + | * Choose category: " | ||
| + | * **30-day SLA**, mostly resolved in 7-15 days. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Rung 4 — CPGRAMS ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | * https:// | ||
| + | * Higher visibility — gets routed to a Senior DCM / Chief Commercial Manager (CCM) at the Zonal HQ. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Rung 5 — Right to Information (RTI) ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | The **Ministry of Railways**, **Railway Board**, all **Zonal Railways**, **Divisional offices**, **IRCTC** (a Schedule-A PSU), and **railway PSU subsidiaries** are all public authorities under §2(h) of the RTI Act 2005. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **RTI helps here when:** | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Your **Divyangjan ID** application has been pending at the DCM for over 30 days — RTI to PIO of the **Divisional Office** for the file noting + reason for delay. | ||
| + | * A TTE confiscated your concessional ticket / fined you despite valid documents — RTI to PIO Zonal HQ for the **TTE' | ||
| + | * A train regularly drops the **Handicapped Quota** without notice — RTI to PIO Zonal HQ for the **berth allocation policy** for that specific train. | ||
| + | * IRCTC' | ||
| + | * You want the **Vande Bharat / Tejas / Premium train concession circular** (which differs per train) — RTI to PIO Railway Board, Commercial Directorate. | ||
| + | * **PIO addresses: | ||
| + | - Central: PIO, Railway Board, Rail Bhavan, Raisina Road, New Delhi – 110001. | ||
| + | - Zonal: PIO, < | ||
| + | - IRCTC: PIO, IRCTC Corporate Office, B-148, 11th Floor, Statesman House, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi – 110001. | ||
| + | * Fee: ₹10 IPO; BPL = free. | ||
| + | |||
| + | See: [[: | ||
| + | |||
| + | **RTI does NOT help here when:** | ||
| + | |||
| + | * You want **a particular berth** (lower / window) — that's an allocation matter; RTI cannot reserve berths. | ||
| + | * You disagree with the **disability percentage** on your certificate — appeal to the State Medical Board under RPwD Rules; RTI cannot revise certification. | ||
| + | * You want to **claim refund** for past trips taken at full fare — concession is prospective; | ||
| + | * You want **train delay compensation** under any " | ||
| + | * You have a complaint about a **private operator / Pawan Hans / Rapido** — they are not public authorities; | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== FAQs ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Q. I have an old "PWD Act 1995" disability certificate. Will it work for railway concession? | ||
| + | After 1 June 2024 — **no**. You need a fresh **RPwD 2016 format** certificate AND a UDID. Apply at https:// | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Q. My UDID is taking 90+ days. Can I travel meanwhile? | ||
| + | Yes — using the **interim enrolment number** + the **disability certificate (RPwD format)** + **Aadhaar**. Most TTEs accept this combination, | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Q. Can my mother (escort) get the concession even if she has no disability? | ||
| + | Yes — the **escort** of a PwD passenger gets the **same concession**. Mandatory escort for: visually impaired (totally blind), severe locomotor (cannot move without help), and hearing+speech impaired. The escort and PwD must travel on the same PNR. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Q. I forgot to apply concession at booking. Can I get refund of difference? | ||
| + | **No** — the concession must be selected at booking. Once chart is prepared or train departs, no refund of difference. The only option: **cancel and rebook before chart preparation** (typically 4 hours before train departure for reserved trains). | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Q. Is the railway concession also valid on Vande Bharat trains?**\\ | ||
| + | Yes but at a **reduced rate** (typically 25% instead of 50/75%) and as per the **train-specific circular**. Verify on the train' | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Q. Can I book Tatkal with PwD concession? | ||
| + | Yes — and the **tatkal premium charge is waived** for PwD concessional tickets. Book at the regular Tatkal hour (10 am AC / 11 am sleeper). | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Q. My disability is " | ||
| + | Yes — but the Divyangjan ID is issued only for the validity period of the disability certificate (e.g., 1 year). Renew when re-certified. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Q. I'm a parent of an autistic child. Can I get escort concession when travelling with the child?**\\ | ||
| + | Yes — autism is a recognised disability under RPwD. The **child' | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Q. My monthly season ticket on Mumbai local was denied concession at the suburban counter. What now?**\\ | ||
| + | Carry the **DCM-issued endorsement letter** that came with your Divyangjan ID. If still refused, escalate same day to the **Station Manager** at the issuing station (CST / Churchgate / Andheri / Bandra) — they are empowered to override. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Q. Can a PwD person book online from someone else's IRCTC ID — say a son or daughter' | ||
| + | **No** — the booking IRCTC ID must be the **PwD person' | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Related on RTI Wiki ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [[: | ||
| + | * [[: | ||
| + | * [[: | ||
| + | * [[: | ||
| + | * [[: | ||
| + | * [[: | ||
| + | * [[: | ||
| + | |||
| + | //Last reviewed: 26 April 2026 by RTI Wiki editorial team. Railway concession circulars are updated by the Commercial Directorate of Railway Board periodically — always verify on the IRCTC site or your zone's notice board. Spotted a stale figure or new helpline? Write to admin@bighelpers.in.// | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{tag> | ||