**Executive Summary**
On April 20, 2026, the Ministry of Railways clarified that Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) holding valid Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards are permitted to travel in unreserved Divyangjan coaches in Mail/Express trains. The directive aims to improve accessibility and ensures that designated coaches are reserved for genuine beneficiaries through strict enforcement of the Railway Act, 1989. Zonal Railways have been instructed to implement these provisions immediately to facilitate seamless travel for PwDs.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Travel Eligibility and Access**
* Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) holding valid UDID cards issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) are authorized to travel in unreserved Divyangjan coaches.
* Eligible passengers include those granted railway concessional fare facilities and those with valid IDs.
* Authorized coaches include the Second Class Luggage-cum-Brake Van (SLRD) and the Luggage-cum-Second Class Luggage-cum-Brake Van (LSLRD) earmarked for Divyangjan.
* Passengers must hold a valid travel authority (ticket) in addition to their ID.
**Enforcement and Regulations**
* Strict action will be taken against unauthorized passengers found in coaches reserved for Divyangjan.
* Penalties for unauthorized travel will be handled in accordance with the provisions of the Railway Act, 1989.
* Zonal Railways are responsible for issuing instructions to officials to ensure the proper implementation of these travel rules.
**Identification and Documentation**
* The Divyangjan Card, or E-Ticketing Photo Identity Card (EPICS), is used to avail concessions on train travel.
* UDID cards are accepted for the issuance and renewal of EPICS for certain disability categories.
* Applications for these cards can be submitted via the Indian Railways Divyangjan portal or the Central Government services portal.
**Impact Analysis**
**Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)**
**Impact**
Improved accessibility and clarity regarding the use of UDID cards for travel in specialized unreserved coaches.
**Action Required**
Must carry a valid UDID card and a valid travel authority while using SLRD/LSLRD coaches; apply for EPICS via official portals for fare concessions.
**Zonal Railways and Officials**
**Impact**
Responsible for the operational implementation of the directive and the protection of reserved spaces for intended beneficiaries.
**Action Required**
Issue necessary instructions to staff and enforce the Railway Act, 1989, against unauthorized passengers.
**Unauthorized Passengers**
**Impact**
Subject to legal action and removal if found occupying coaches earmarked for Divyangjan.
**Action Required**
Must refrain from entering or traveling in SLRD and LSLRD coaches reserved for PwDs.
Key Entities Referenced
Unique Disability ID (UDID) card: The primary identification document that authorizes Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to travel in unreserved Divyangjan coaches in Mail/Express trains.
Railway Act, 1989: The governing legislation used to take strict action against unauthorized passengers travelling in coaches earmarked for Divyangjan.
Divyangjan Card (EPICS): Also known as the E-Ticketing Photo Identity Card, this railway-issued identity card allows Persons with Disabilities to avail concessions on train travel.
Ministry of Railways: The primary regulatory authority issuing these clarifications to ensure inclusive travel and accessibility for PwDs across Indian Railways.
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD): The government department responsible for issuing the UDID cards recognized by the railways for bona fide travel authority.
Ministry of Railways
Persons with Disability Carrying Valid UDID
Cards Can Travel in Unreserved Divyangjan
Coaches in Mail/Express Trains
PwDs Eligible for Railway Concessional Fare Facility or With
Valid IDs Can Travel in SLRD and LSLRD Coaches as Valid
Passengers
Strict Action to be Taken Against Unauthorised Passengers
Travelling in Coaches Earmarked for Divyangjan, Ensuring
Availability for Genuine Beneficiaries
Posted On: 20 APR 2026 7:21PM by PIB Delhi
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.
PwDs holding valid UDID cards issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
(DEPwD), as well as those granted concessional fare facility by Indian Railways, shall be treated as bona
fide passengers for travelling in Second Class Luggage-cum-Brake Van with Compartment for Divyangjan
(SLRD) or Luggage-cum-Second Class Luggage-cum-Brake Van with Compartment for Divyangjan
(LSLRD) coaches earmarked for PwDs, subject to holding valid travel authority.
Railways has further stated that action against unauthorised passengers found travelling in these
designated coaches shall be taken in accordance with the provisions of the Railway Act, 1989. This has
been done to ensure that the intended beneficiaries are able to access and utilise the facilities without
inconvenience.
All Zonal Railways have been advised to issue necessary instructions to concerned officials to ensure
proper implementation of these provisions.
It may also be noted that the Divyangjan Card, also known as the E-Ticketing Photo Identity Card
(EPICS), is a railway identity card for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) that allows them to avail
concessions on train travel. The card is issued on the basis of a valid disability/concession certificate, with
the UDID card being accepted for some categories. Applications for issuance or renewal may be submitted
through the Indian Railways Divyangjan portal or the Central Government services portal.
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Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Ritu Raj/ Manik Sharma
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