Divyangjan (Disability) Concession on Indian Railways

Indian Railways provides significant fare concessions to persons with disabilities (referred to as Divyangjan in Indian Railways terminology). These concessions cover both the passenger and their escort. Here's the complete breakdown.

Eligibility

The following categories of disability are recognized for concessions:

1. Blindness and low vision
2. Deaf and hard of hearing
3. Locomotor disability (including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy)
4. Intellectual disability
5. Mental illness
6. Multiple disabilities
7. Leprosy cured persons
8. Dwarfism
9. Acid attack victims
10. Autism spectrum disorder

The disability must be certified by a competent government authority — typically a Civil Surgeon, District Medical Board, or government hospital.

Concession Rates

Category	Sleeper/2S Concession	AC Classes Concession
Blindness	75%	50%
Orthopedically handicapped	75%	50%
Deaf and mute	75%	50%
Mentally challenged	75%	50%
Leprosy cured	75%	50%
Multiple disabilities	75%	50%

These are percentage discounts on the base fare.

Escort Concession

One escort traveling with the Divyangjan passenger gets the same concession percentage. So if the person with disability gets 75% off in Sleeper, their escort also gets 75% off.

The escort must travel on the same PNR and in the same class as the Divyangjan passenger.

Required Documents

1. Disability certificate issued by:

- Government hospital - District Medical Board - Competent authority under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act

1. Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, etc.)

1. UDID Card (Unique Disability Identity Card) — if available, this is the preferred document as it's universally recognized

The disability certificate must specify:

• Type of disability
• Percentage of disability (minimum 40% required for concessions)
• Duration (permanent or temporary)

How to Book with Concession

At Railway Counter

1. Visit the reservation counter with disability certificate and ID
2. Fill the reservation form
3. Mention "Divyangjan concession" to the clerk
4. The clerk applies the concession and books with escort if applicable
5. Pay the concessional fare

On IRCTC (Online)

Online booking for Divyangjan concessions has specific provisions:

1. Log in to IRCTC
2. During passenger entry, look for the concession type dropdown
3. Select the appropriate disability category
4. Enter certificate details if prompted
5. Add escort passenger if traveling with one
6. The system calculates concessional fare

Note: Not all concession types are available for online booking. If you can't find your category online, book at the counter.

Concession on Different Train Types

Train Type	Concession Available?
Mail/Express	Yes
Superfast	Yes
Rajdhani/Shatabdi	Yes (on base fare, not catering charge)
Duronto	Yes
Garib Rath	Yes
Suvidha/Premium	No
Tatkal quota	No (on Tatkal surcharge portion)

Wheelchair and Accessibility

Divyangjan concession is separate from wheelchair accessibility provisions. The concession gives you fare reduction. For wheelchair assistance:

• Call 139 before your journey
• Request wheelchair at departure and arrival stations
• Inform the station manager's office
• Many stations now have ramp access and lifts

Travel Tips for Divyangjan Passengers

Book AC classes when possible. AC coaches are better maintained, have cleaner toilets, and coach attendants who can assist. Request lower berth. Always select lower berth preference. The system gives priority to disabled passengers for lower berths. Inform the TTE. Let the TTE know about your disability needs. They can arrange berth swaps and inform the pantry car about any requirements. Travel with an escort when needed. The escort concession is generous — make use of it. Having a companion makes the journey safer and more comfortable. Carry disability certificate in original. The TTE may ask to see it during the journey. Photocopies are not accepted for verification.

UDID Card Benefits

The Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID) is a national-level ID for persons with disabilities. Benefits for railway travel:

• Accepted as both disability proof and ID proof
• Faster verification at counters and during TTE checks
• Digital version available on mobile
• Recognized across all railway zones

If you don't have a UDID yet, apply at your nearest District Disability Rehabilitation Centre.

Check train availability and plan accessible journeys on indianrail.app. Choosing the right train and class makes travel significantly more comfortable for Divyangjan passengers.