The Indian Railways is the world’s largest passenger railway network, with over 23 million using the facilities daily. From steam engines during the British Raj to today’s superfast express trains, the Indian rail network predates almost two centuries. Given its vast network of over 7,000 rail stations and 13,169 daily passenger trains, Indian Railways soon realised the need to become more accessible for seniors and the differently abled.
The Pressing Need for Indian Railways to be More Accessible
The Ministry of Railways initiated the “Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan” (Accessible India Campaign) in 2015 to address this pressing concern. This welfare scheme aimed to provide convenient transportation to ‘Divyangjans’ (people with disabilities) across the entire railway network. One of the primary solutions was to provide around 7,000 wheelchairs at over 5,400 stations to assist the differently abled in travelling.
How to Book an e-wheelchair on IRCTC?
You can seamlessly book a wheelchair online now through IRCTC’s e-wheelchair service when booking train tickets on IRCTC. Log in with your credentials on the IRCTC official website and enter your PNR to verify the wheelchair’s availability. Upon confirming, follow these simple steps to complete your booking:
- Visit www.irctc.co.in and under ‘Service at Stations’ select “E-Wheelchair”
- Click on ‘e-Wheelchair’ and type in your PNR number.
- Click on ‘Search’ and fill in the required details.
- Click on ‘Book’ to complete the booking details.
- Click on ‘Print Voucher’ for a soft copy required during the wheelchair’s issue.
Which stations have options for Booking e-wheelchairs on IRCTC?
The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) differs across stations. It ranges from a maximum of 72 hours in Bangalore to 24 hours in Howrah to a minimum of 4 hours at select stations, including New Delhi, Lucknow, and Jaipur. Here is a list of stations where the e-wheelchair services are available and their ARPs:
- Stations such as Agra Cantonment Railway Station (AGC), Jhansi Junction (JHS), Kanpur Central Junction (CNB), Lucknow Junction (LKO), Lucknow NE (LJN), Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK), Pathankot Cantonment (PTKC), Jaipur Junction (JP), New Delhi (NDLS), and Varanasi Junction (BSB) have an ARP of four hours.
- Stations such as Ahmedabad Junction (ADI), Bhusaval Junction (BSL), Indore Junction (INDB), Mumbai Central (MMCT), Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CSMT), Nagpur Junction (NGP), Pune Junction (PUNE), and Vadodara Junction (BRC) have an ARP of six hours.
- Stations such as Howrah Junction (HWH), Vijayawada Junction (BZA), and Secunderabad Junction (SC) have an ARP of 24 hours.
- Bangalore City Junction (SBC) has the highest ARP of 72 hours.
General Guidelines for Booking e-wheelchair on IRCTC
Remember to review your voucher details for specific instructions and contact information. Here are the following terms and conditions:
- Wheelchair Collection and Return: You will collect and return the wheelchair(s) from designated Collection Centres at the railway station.
- Requirements: To avail of the wheelchair service, you will need to:
- Deposit ₹500 in cash.
- Provide a valid government-approved identity card.
- Return Policy: Your deposited amount and identity card will be repaid when you return the wheelchair.
- Assistance: Refer to your voucher details for contact information for all e-wheelchair-related aid.
- Terms and Conditions: Please note that:
- Wheelchairs are provided free of charge, subject to availability.
- Service operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
- A booking voucher is required.
How To Cancel a Booked e-Wheelchair on IRCTC?
In case you need to cancel the wheelchair booking due to unforeseen circumstances, follow these simple steps:
- Visit www.irctctourism.com and log in through ‘Guest User Login’
- Enter your email ID and mobile number used during booking
- .Click ‘My Account’ > ‘Wheelchair Booked’
- Select the ticket to cancel from ‘List of Booking.’
- Click ‘Cancel Wheelchair’
- Receive OTP using your email ID and mobile number.
- Enter OTP, select wheelchairs to cancel, and confirm
- View cancellation status details
Conclusion
Public organisations have been pressing the lack of universal public transportation design for decades. Indian Railways has made significant strides in accessibility with the introduction of e-wheelchairs, enhancing convenience for elderly and disabled passengers.
FAQs
1. What are the charges for e-wheelchairs?
IRCTC offers free wheelchair services at select railway stations, subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis, with a valid booking voucher. A refundable deposit of ₹500 and a valid government-issued ID are required.
2. Who can avail of the e-wheelchairs?
Any passenger having a valid confirmed/RAC/Partial WL reservation ticket may book the wheelchair through the website.
3. Are there any cancellation charges for e-wheelchairs?
No, IRCTC does not levy any cancellation charges for e-wheelchairs.
4. Can a wheelchair be booked after buying tickets?
Ans. To ensure timely assistance, request wheelchair services during reservation, ticketing or booking reconfirmation. Pre-booking wheelchairs will help you avoid last-minute delays and unavailability.
5. Can a wheelchair be taken on a train?
No, wheelchairs are for platform and station porch use only.