Indian Railways clarifies travel rules for disabled passengers in Divyangjan coaches

The Ministry of Railways on Monday clarified that persons with disabilities (PwDs) holding valid Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards will be permitted to travel in unreserved coaches earmarked for Divyangjan in Mail and Express trains.

“Ensuring inclusive travel and greater accessibility, Indian Railways has clarified that Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) holding a valid Unique Disability ID (UDID) card will be permitted to travel in unreserved coaches earmarked for Divyangjan in Mail/Express trains,” the ministry said in a statement.

According to the official statement, PwDs carrying valid UDID cards issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), as well as those eligible for concessional fares, will be treated as bona fide passengers in designated coaches.

Such passengers will be allowed to travel in Second Class Luggage-cum-Brake Van coaches with compartments reserved for Divyangjan (SLRD) and Luggage-cum-Second Class Luggage-cum-Brake Van coaches with Divyangjan compartments (LSLRD), subject to possession of valid travel authority.

The Railways also emphasised that strict action will be taken against unauthorised passengers found occupying these reserved coaches, in accordance with provisions of the Railway Act, 1989, to ensure that facilities remain accessible to genuine beneficiaries.

“All Zonal Railways have been advised to issue necessary instructions to concerned officials to ensure proper implementation of these provisions,” the ministry said.

The Divyangjan Card, also known as the E-Ticketing Photo Identity Card (EPICS), is issued to PwDs to enable them to avail concessions in train travel. It is granted based on a valid disability or concession certificate, with the UDID card being accepted for certain categories.

Applications for issuance or renewal of the card can be submitted through the Indian Railways Divyangjan portal or the Central government services portal.