New travel guidelines for Persons with Disabilities in Mail/Express trains
New Delhi: In a move aimed at improving accessibility and preventing misuse, Indian Railways has issued a clear directive on who can travel in coaches reserved for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) in Mail and Express trains.
The latest clarification directly impacts passengers holding a valid Unique Disability ID (UDID) card, making their travel more seamless while also ensuring these reserved spaces are not occupied by unauthorised travellers.
Who can travel in Divyangjan coaches?
According to the Ministry of Railways, persons with disabilities (PwDs) carrying a valid UDID card are now officially permitted to travel in unreserved Divyangjan-designated coaches, including:
- SLRD (Second Class Luggage-cum-Brake Van with Divyangjan compartment)
- LSLRD coaches in Mail and Express trains
However, eligibility comes with one key condition, passengers must carry valid tickets or authorised travel documents.
What ‘bona fide passenger’ means now
Railways have also defined who qualifies as a legitimate passenger for these reserved compartments. The category includes:
- PwDs with valid UDID cards issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD)
- Passengers eligible for concessional fares under railway rules
This clarification removes confusion and ensures only genuine beneficiaries use the facility.
Railways has taken a strict stance against the misuse of Divyangjan compartments, a recurring issue reported across zones.
Officials have been directed to act against unauthorised passengers occupying these spaces.
Penalties may be imposed under relevant sections of the law to prevent overcrowding and ensure rightful access.
This update brings two major benefits:
- Improved accessibility for persons with disabilities
- Reduced overcrowding and misuse in reserved coaches
By enforcing stricter rules, Railways aims to ensure that those who genuinely need these facilities can travel without inconvenience.
All zonal railways have been instructed to strictly implement these rules and improve monitoring to protect facilities meant for Divyangjan passengers.
What is the Divyangjan Card (EPICS)?
Indian Railways highlighting the importance of the Divyangjan Card, also known as the E-Ticketing Photo Identity Card (EPICS) said these allow PwDs to avail concessional fares.
Issued based on valid disability certificates, UDID cards are accepted for eligibility in certain categories.
Applications and renewals can be done online via official government portals.
How PwDs can book tickets with concession on IRCTC
Passengers with disabilities can easily avail concessions while booking tickets online:
- Log in to IRCTC
- Enter journey details and select the PwD concession option
- Choose train and check availability
- Add passenger details manually or from saved list
- Complete payment to confirm booking
Users can also save passenger details in the “Master List” for faster bookings in future.