The Ministry of Railways has provided a major relief to Divyangjan passengers by allowing them to travel in designated unreserved coaches. As per the latest orders from the Railway Board, valid UDID card holders can now occupy seats in the SLRD and LSLRD coaches of Mail and Express trains. This decision comes after a clarification was sought regarding the eligibility of passengers in these specific compartments to ensure better travel facilities for people with disabilities.
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Who is eligible to travel in these coaches?
Only those Divyangjan who possess a valid Unique Disability ID (UDID) card issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD) or a railway concession photo ID card are eligible. The travel is permitted specifically in the unreserved portion of SLRD (Sitting cum Luggage Rake) and LSLRD (Ladies Sitting cum Luggage Rake) coaches. Sanjay Manocha, Director of Passenger Marketing-II at the Railway Board, clarified that these passengers will be considered valid for travel in these marked sections. Other passengers attempting to travel in these coaches will face strict action under the Railway Act 1989.
Key updates and recent changes for Divyangjan passengers
- Railway Board issued Commercial Circular No. 11/2026 on April 2, 2026, to formalize this travel permission.
- UDID cards are now being used as the primary document to issue concession railway photo ID cards.
- For Divyangjan passengers above 35 years of age, the UDID card will now have lifetime validity for railway travel purposes.
- A previous circular dated January 19, 2026, allows the facility to change the name of the assistant on concessional tickets.
- All regional railway zones have been instructed to implement these new guidelines immediately to assist travelers.