Railway Concession for Disabled Person
I. Disabled Passengers
Orthopaedically Handicapped / Paraplegic persons who cannot travel without escort – for any purpose
- 75% in 2nd, SL, 1st Class, 3AC, AC chair Car
- 50% in 1AC and 2AC
- 25% in 3AC & AC Chair Car of Rajdhani / Shatabdi trains
Mentally retarded persons who cannot travel without escort – for any purpose
- 50% in MST & QST
Blind persons travelling alone or with an escort – for any purpose
- One escort is also eligible for same element of concession
Deaf & Dumb persons (both afflictions together in the same person) travelling alone or with an escort – for any purpose.
- 50% in 2nd, SL and 1st Class
- 50% in MST & QST
- One escort is also eligible for same element of concession
Existing word: Blind
To be replaced by: Person with Visual Impairment with total absence of sight
Existing word: Deaf and Dumb
To be replaced by: Person with Hearing and Speech Impairment totally (Both afflictions together in the same person)
Existing word: Physically Challenged
To be replaced by: Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)
The revised proforma for the certificate is enclosed herewith. Click here the below link and download in Railway Concession Form For Physically Handicapped 2021 pdf in english and hindi version also
Railway Concession Certificate or Form for Handicapped Person, Paraplegic persons, Blind persons, Deaf & Dumb persons in PDF Download – Click Here
Here’s a comprehensive guide on railway fare concessions for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) in India—including eligibility, concession rates, application procedures, and onboard facilities:
Contents
Who Is Eligible?
Indian Railways provides fare concessions to the following categories of persons with disabilities:
- Orthopaedically Handicapped / Paraplegic – those unable to travel without an escort
- Persons with Intellectual Disability (from June 1, 2025)
- Blind Persons – total absence of sight or visual acuity less than 3/60; or visual field less than 10°
- Persons with Hearing and Speech Impairment (both together)
Concession Rates (on Basic Fare Only)
| Disability Category | 2nd, Sleeper, 1st, 3AC, AC Chair Car | 1AC / 2AC | Rajdhani/Shatabdi 3AC & AC Chair Car | Season Tickets (MST & QST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orthopedically Handicapped / Paraplegic | 75% | 50% | 25% | 50% |
| Persons with Intellectual Disability | Same as above | — | — | — |
| Blind Persons | 75% | 50% | 25% | 50% |
| Hearing & Speech Impaired | 50% | — | — | 50% |
Additional points:
- One Escort accompanying the person with a disability is also eligible for the same concession.
- Cancer, Thalassemia, Heart, Kidney, TB, Leprosy, HIV/AIDS, and other medical categories also qualify under separate concession schemes.
Required Documentation
To avail the concession:
- Disability Certificate issued by a government doctor or an authorized medical board specifying the disability type and percentage.
- Railway Concession Certificate—a prescribed form attested by a gazetted officer (like an MP, MLA), or issued by designated sources.
How to Apply & Avail the Concession
A. Obtain a Photo Identity Concession Card (Divyangjan ID Card)
This enables seamless booking, especially online.
Procedure (approximate two-month processing time):
- Visit your Divisional Railway Manager (DRM)’s Office with:
- Disability & Concession Certificates
- Passport photos
- Identity, address, and date-of-birth proofs
- Documents are verified; once approved, a Photo ID Card with a unique 11-digit number is issued and linked to IRCTC/UTS/PRS systems.
- The original concession certificate is stamped and devalidated; only the ID card is valid for future use.
This card typically remains valid for 5 years (longer in some cases like permanent disability beyond age 35).
B. Booking Tickets
- Online: Enter the Divyangjan ID number in the concession field on IRCTC. Escorted passengers must include their details too.
- Offline (PRS/UTS): Present the ID card (or original concession certificate, if ID not issued).
Onboard & Station Facilities
- Reservation Quota: Four sleeper-class and two 3AC berths reserved in non-suburban trains for PwDs. The escort gets a berth under this quota too.
- Lower Berths: Preferential allocation; TTE can reassign lower berths during travel if available.
- Special Coaches (SLRD): Wider doors, modified toilets, spaces for wheelchairs, upper and lower berths (one for PwD, one for escort).
- Accessible Stations: At A-1, A, and B category stations—
- Priority parking
- Accessible ramps, toilets, drinking water
- Wheelchairs per platform
- Reserved PCO booths (25%)
- “May I Help You” counters
Recent Updates & Improvements
- Online issuance and renewal of concessional travel cards now available. Upload documents digitally and receive a digital ID usable across booking platforms.
- Terminology update: “Mental retardation” is officially replaced with the respectful term “Intellectual Disability” in railway documents—following advocacy from the Persons with Disabilities Commission.
- Accessibility upgrade directives: Installation of elevators, tactile markings, wheelchair buggies, accessible counters, and improved infrastructure. Expansion of UDID integration in booking systems.
Voices from Passengers (Reddit Highlights)
“Divyangjan concessions are available both online and offline. Concession rates apply to base fare only. Escorts get the same concession.”
— Verified by a user booking tickets for a disabled parent via Divyangjan ID.
“Use the PwD quota while checking for seats — many trains provide them.”
On applying for ID: “UDID is useless for railway purposes… application and documentation processes are confusing and inconsistent.”
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Disabilities | Orthopaedic, Intellectual, Blindness, Hearing & Speech |
| Concession Rates | Up to 75% on basic fare, varies by class |
| Escort Discount | Same as the PwD |
| Required Documents | Disability Certificate + Concession Certificate |
| Booking Modes | Online (with Divyang ID) / Offline (submitted at counter) |
| Facilities Available | Reservation quota, special coaches, accessible stations |
| Validity of ID Card | Typically 5 years |
| Recent Enhancements | Online issuance, updated terminology, improved station access |
Need assistance with forms, accessing the online portal, or navigating the booking interface? Just let me know—I’d be happy to guide you!