Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 9: In a significant move to ease travel for persons with disabilities (PwDs), the Indian Railways has issued revised guidelines permitting PwDs holding a valid Unique Disability ID (UDID) card to travel in coaches specifically reserved for them on suburban (local) and ordinary passenger trains.
According to a directive issued by the Railway Board on July 30, all principal chief commercial managers (PCCMs) across railway zones have been instructed to treat specific categories of PwDs as bona fide passengers for travel in these earmarked coaches.
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The revised guidelines stipulate that PwDs eligible for concessional train fares, who carry either a prescribed concession certificate or a Railway Divyangjan Card, are permitted to use the reserved coaches. Furthermore, PwDs holding a valid UDID card issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) are also permitted to travel in these coaches, even if they do not qualify for any railway fare concession.
However, the Ministry of Railways clarified that the new instructions only grant access to the reserved coaches and do not automatically extend concessional fare benefits. Passengers must possess a valid travel authority, such as a journey ticket or season ticket purchased at the applicable fare, before boarding the train.
While travelling, it is mandatory for these passengers to carry a valid identity document alongside their ticket, which can be a UDID card, a Railway Divyangjan Card, or a concession certificate in the prescribed format.
The national transporter has also issued a strict warning that passengers found travelling in coaches earmarked for PwDs without proper authorization will face penal action under the provisions of the Railway Act, 1989.
This development follows an earlier directive issued on April 2, where the Railway Board allowed PwDs with valid UDID cards to travel in SLRD (Second Class-cum-Luggage and Brake Van with Compartment for Divyangjan) and LSLRD coaches, provided they held a valid journey ticket or authorized travel document.