Railways Launches Free Wheelchair Service at Major Stations

Sept 3, 2025 - Indian Railways has introduced free wheelchair services at most major railway stations, according to Railway officials. This initiative is part of the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) to make travel easier for all passengers. This service will be a major relief for the elderly and differently-abled travellers protecting them from pushing and shoving on crowded platforms, particularly during festivals or holidays.

As part of the campaign, the Railways has also installed escalators and lifts at various stations to help senior citizens and differently-abled passengers easily move between platforms.
Passengers can contact the Station Master’s office or the Railway Help Desk to avail the wheelchair service. Additionally, passengers can also book an e-wheelchair through the IRCTC portal at several major stations.

How to Book an e-Wheelchair

1. Visit the IRCTC website
2. Go to the "At Stations" section and click on E-Wheelchair
3. Enter your PNR number and click on "Search"
4. Fill in the required details and click "Book"
5. Once the booking is complete, a voucher will be generated.
6. Print the voucher and show it at the station to get the wheelchair.

This facility is completely free for passengers. However, at the time of collecting the wheelchair, the passenger or their assistant must provide:

• A security deposit of Rs 500
• A valid government-issued ID

The deposit and ID are returned once the wheelchair is returned after the journey. However, if a porter/attendant is requested for assistance, a charge may apply.

Who Can Use This Facility?

Any passenger with a confirmed, RAC or partially waitlisted ticket can book an e-wheelchair. No medical certificate is required.

Cancellation Rules

If the passenger’s travel plan changes after booking, the e-wheelchair booking can be cancelled. There is no cancellation charge.

Stations Where Service is Available

• Ahmedabad
• Agra Cantt
• Vadodara
• Varanasi
• Bhusaval
• Vijayawada
• Kanpur Central
• Mumbai CST
• Mumbai Central
• Howrah
• Indore
• Jhansi
• Jaipur
• Lucknow Junction
• Lucknow
• New Delhi
• Nagpur
• Pathankot Cantt
• Pune
• Bengaluru City
• Secunderabad
• Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra

Source: Media Reports

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