Travelling by train helps to keep in touch with family members, work, education and important life events. Ensuring that the right facilities are in place can help those with disabilities to make travelling easier. Indian Railways provide a card called the Railway Divyang Card (also known as the Divyangjan Photo Identity Card or E-Ticketing Photo Identity Card (EPICS)) to eligible passengers who would like to take advantage of the concession.
The application process is now available online, making it more convenient to submit the required details and documents without starting with a visit to a railway office.
If you or someone in your family is planning to apply, this guide explains the railway divyang card eligibility, documents required, online application steps, benefits, and how to check your application status.
What Is a Railway Divyang Card?
The Railway Divyang Card is issued by Indian Railways to a disabled person who qualifies for the concession. This card can be used by eligible passengers to get the concession available on railway tickets. These can be booked online using the IRCTC website.
This card is issued after verifying your documents related to disability along with your eligibility. Not everyone with a disability certificate or UDID card will qualify to get all the railway concessions. You must be in the correct category to qualify for the concession based on railway rules.
Railway Divyang Card Eligibility
Before you apply, check if your category falls under any of the concession categories acknowledged by Indian Railways. The major categories of passengers covered under the Divyangjan Photo ID scheme for concession are:
- Passengers with visual impairment: Individuals who meet the specified criteria for visual disability.
- Passengers with intellectual disabilities: Individuals who cannot travel without an escort, as specified under the applicable rules.
- Passengers with hearing and speech impairment: Individuals with both impairments together, meeting the railway’s criteria.
- Orthopaedically handicapped or paraplegic passengers: Individuals who cannot travel without the assistance of an escort, as specified under the rules.
Each category has certain conditions and it is best to check the latest guidelines. However, with the help of your railway concession certificate and supporting medical documents, you can determine if you qualify.
By checking your eligibility beforehand you can ensure that you have the correct documents ready to avoid any issues with missing or incorrect certificates.
Railway Divyang Card Documents Required
You can avoid last-minute hassle by preparing your documents well in advance. According to the category of the applicant and the guidelines listed on the official portal, the list of documents to be submitted may vary.
Generally, you will need to have the following documents:
- Railway Concession Certificate: As per the guidelines, one needs to submit the prescribed certificate from the authorised government hospital/medical authority.
- Disability Certificate: This is a valid proof of disability.
- Clear Photograph: A photograph which is clear.
- Proof of Date of Birth: A valid proof of date of birth.
- Proof of Identity: A valid identity proof.
- Proof of Address: A document to prove your residential address.
- UDID card: In some cases, you may also be able to use your Unique Disability ID card.
Ensure that you have scanned copies/digital copies of all these documents. Ensure that your name, date of birth and other details match. If there are specific formats required for a certificate, ensure that you follow the prescribed format.
For the most up-to-date information regarding documents required, please refer to the official Indian Railways Divyangjan portal and user manual.
How to Apply for a Railway Divyang Card Online
With the online mode of application, eligible candidates can register themselves and fill in the required information. The following are the general steps:
1) Official Portal
Open the Railway Divyangjan ID official portal.
2) Register as a New User
Click on the New User button if you are registering yourself for the first time. Fill out all the necessary information like Name, Contact Information, State and Nearest Railway Station. Be careful when filling this information as this would decide which division would handle your application depending on the hospital where the concession certificate was issued.
3) Logging in to your Account
Once registered, login to your account. Click on the credentials or mobile verification as required by the portal. Follow the on-screen instructions.
4) Apply
Select the Apply option. If the candidate has an existing Divyangjan concession card, select the appropriate option.
5) Applicant Information
Fill out all the personal information along with the disablement information of the applicant. Ensure that all the information matches with the documents. Double-check to make sure.
6) Upload Documents
Upload the required documents. This includes a Photograph, Concession Certificate, Disability Certificate, Identity Proof, Date of Birth Proof, Address Proof. Also, upload any other documents as required by the portal. Ensure that all the documents are legible, and follow the given format and size.
7) Submit Application
After filling out all the information and uploading the documents, submit your application. Save any Acknowledgement, Application Number or Reference Number provided. This might be helpful when tracking your application.
After submitting your application, it will be verified by the appropriate railway authorities. This can take some time. Therefore, it is best to keep track of your application via the portal.
Benefits of a Railway Divyang Card
This card can help you to easily get access to the facilities you are entitled to.
- Applicable Concessions
Those who are eligible can get concessions that apply to their disability category and travel class. The type of concession that is offered differs depending on your category so always check this in line with current legislation.
- Easy booking of e tickets
Those who are eligible can use a valid railway photographic ID card to apply online for a concessionary e ticket through IRCTC. This will help reduce the need to go to a reservation desk.
- Access to facilities
This card provides you with an official ID for the railway. You may still need to have further documentation or travel authorisation.
- Online application/renewal
- This can be applied for online.
- Documents you need to have.
Having the correct documents means it will be easier to check what concession applies and plan ahead.
Please note the Railway Divyang Card does not mean you will get everything for free or have access to all the facilities. This depends on your eligibility and current legislation.
How to Check Railway Divyang Card Status
When you have filled out the form and if you want to know the status of your application such as it being received, verified or approved, please find the steps below:
- Go to the official website of Divyangjan ID.
- Login using your registered credentials.
- Look for the application/status section.
- If you are asked to enter the details of the application please do so.
- Check the latest status and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you have your registered mobile number and application reference to hand and your status is not showing or your application is taking longer than expected please refer to instructions on the portal or get in touch with the relevant railway division. If you wish to raise a grievance regarding any unresolved issues please use the official Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System.
Important Things to Remember Before Applying
Ensure all documents are genuine, clear and correctly formatted prior to submission. Choose your state and closest train station carefully. We recommend saving a copy of the application confirmation.
If applying with a UDID card ensure that it is acceptable for your category according to the current rail guidelines. Ensure that your current card or concession certificate is not due for renewal.
Make Your Train Journey Easier to Plan
Getting a Railway Divyang Card can be an easy process if you know what you’re eligible for and have all the documents to hand. Firstly, make sure you look at the official requirements, fill out the online form and monitor your application.
Always check the official Indian Railways site for the most up-to-date information regarding eligibility, documents required, concessions and your application progress. With some preparation, eligible passengers will be able to easily claim their travel concessions and plan their journey.