Railway Concession for Blind | Railway Concession for Visually Impaired
| Blind persons travelling alone or with an escort – for any purpose |
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Click the Link:Concession Form |
Here’s a clear overview of railway fare concessions for blind or visually impaired persons in India, including eligibility, applicable discounts, and how to apply:
Eligibility and Scope of Concession
- Who qualifies?
Concessions are available to individuals classified as visually impaired, specifically those with 100% blindness—total absence of sight, or certified visual acuity of less than 3/60 (10/200) in the better eye, or visual field below 10°, as per WHO criteria. - Persons with partial or low vision do not currently qualify for this concession.
Concession Rates Across Classes
Eligible passengers may receive discounts as follows:
- 75% concession on:
- Second Class (both reserved and unreserved)
- Sleeper Class
- First Class
- AC-3 Tier
- AC Chair Car
- 50% concession on:
- First AC (1A)
- AC-2 Tier (2A)
- Monthly and Quarterly season tickets in First and Second Class
- 25% concession on:
- AC-3 Tier and AC Chair Car in Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains (if traveling alone)
- Escort benefit: An escort accompanying the Traveller with Visual Impairment is also eligible for the same concession.
How to Avail the Concession
- Obtain a Railway Concession Certificate, issued by:
- A government doctor or registered medical practitioner, or
- Heads of institutions for the blind recognized by the Ministry of Welfare or the State’s Social Welfare Department
The certificate must be duly attested by a Gazetted Officer (e.g., MP, MLA).
- Documents needed:
- Passport-sized photograph
- Disability certificate
- Attested concession certificate
- [Proof of identity and date of birth as required for e-ticketing]
- Application methods:
- For e-ticketing: Visit the Commercial Branch of the nearest Divisional Railway Manager’s (DRM) Office with all documents to obtain a photo-identity card. This card allows you to book tickets online via IRCTC by entering its number, and you must carry the original card during travel.
- For counter bookings: Present all required documents and the card (if issued) at the counter when purchasing the ticket.
- Validity: The concession certificate/card remains valid for five years, after which it must be renewed.
Real-World Insights from Users
“Divyangjan concessions are available both online and offline. Concession rates apply to base fare only; reservation and superfast charges are extra…”
— A PwD traveler shared that a 75% concession applies to AC Chair Car, Second Seating, Sleeper, and 3AC; 50% for 2AC; 1AC possibly 25–50%. They used a Railways-approved Divyangjan ID card for booking.“The Person with Disability (PwD) quota, if available, can be useful—especially when checking for seats in charts.”
These firsthand accounts align with official guidelines, and stress the importance of having the correct documentation and PwD-specific identification.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | 100% visually impaired (total blindness, or severe acuity/field loss) |
| Classes Covered | 2nd, Sleeper, 1st, 3A, Chair – 75%; 2A & 1A – 50%; Rajdhani/Shatabdi 3A/Chair – 25% |
| Escort Concession | Yes, same rate as the visually impaired person |
| Required Documents | Certificate from authorized medical authority, attested, plus photo ID |
| Booking Modes | e-ticket (via identity card from DRM office) or counter with documents |
| Validity | 5 years |
| Not Covered | Persons with partial or low vision (less than 100%) |
In Summary
Indian Railways extends meaningful travel discounts to totally blind passengers and escorts, making rail travel significantly more accessible. The process is formalized and widely available, but hinges on accurate documentation and adherence to booking guidelines—especially for online reservations. Partial visual impairment is currently not eligible under existing rules.
Need help navigating the application process, finding the right forms, or understanding how to book a ticket? I’m happy to assist!