Did you know you can avail train travel concessions in case you are suffering from certain diseases. There are special concession for patients under 53 categories. Out of these at least 10 categories are reserved for patients with serious diseases. However, like many other rules of Indian Railways, there is lack of awareness among the masses which often leads to non-usage of such privileges. But, may be with the information we are about to provide below, more and more patients will be able to avail the concessions during their forthcoming journeys. So, let us take a look at various railway fare concessions for patients.
Essentials of Booking Tickets with Discounts for Patients
- All the general rules of Indian Railways are applicable for such concession schemes. Check the rules here
- Such concessions are available only for over-the-counter ticket bookings. Concessions cannot be procured for online ticket booking.
- Concessions can be availed both for Outward and Return journeys.
- The concession would be provided after the ticket booking authority verifies the duly filled form, by Hospital authorities. Download the form here
Concession for Cancer Patients
Recent statistics suggest that more than 1.8 million people in India are suffering from cancer. The concession for cancer patients varies from 50-100%, depending on the class chosen for the journey. The concession is applicable when the patient is traveling for treatment or periodic check-up.
- Concession Details: 100% (in Sleeper & 3-tier AC), 75% (in 1st Class, 2nd Class & AC Chair Car), 50% (in 1st Class AC & 2 tier AC)
- Escort Concession: One person accompanying the patient on the trip would also receive the same percentage of concession except for Sleeper & 3-tier AC classes (where the escort gets 75% concession).
Concession for Heart Patients
More than 30 million Indians are suffering from some type of heart condition or the other. If you are planning for a heart surgery at an out-of-station healthcare facility, you can avail 50-75% concession specially earmarked for heart patients.
- Concession Details: 75% (in 1st Class, 2nd Class, Sleeper, 3 Tier AC, AC Chair Car), 50% (in 1st Class AC and 2 tier AC)
- Escort Concession: One person accompanying the patient would receive same percentage of concession.
Concessions for HIV Patients
Though the rate of new HIV infections in India have gone down drastically, largely due to many successful campaigns, yet nearly 3 million patients remain infected with HIV. HIV patients who are making a journey for further treatment or check-up at a Government nominated ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy) centers can avail a discount of 50% for themselves and their escort.
- Details of Concession: 50% (only in 2nd Class)
- Escort Concession: One person accompanying the patient would receive same percentage of concession.
- List of ART centres
Concession for Patients with Kidney Problems
The next time you are traveling by train to an out-of-station health care facility, for Dialysis or kidney transplant surgery, use the patient’s’ concession. Under this concession scheme you and your escort for the journey can avail a concession ranging between 50-75%.
- Concession Details: 75% (in 1st Class, 2nd Class, Sleeper, 3 Tier AC, AC Chair Car), 50% (in 1st Class AC and 2 tier AC)
- Escort Concession: One person accompanying the patient would receive same percentage of concession.
Concessions for some other diseases
Concession Details for Thalassemia Patients
- 75% (in 1st Class, 2nd Class, Sleeper, 3 Tier AC, AC Chair Car), 50% (in 1st Class AC and 2 tier AC)
- One escort is eligible for the same concession amount
Concession Details for Tuberculosis Patients
- 75% (in 1st Class, 2nd Class, Sleeper)
- One escort is eligible for the same concession amount
Concession Details for Ostomy Patients
- 50% (in Monthly Season Tickets and Quarterly Season Tickets)
- One escort is eligible for the same concession amount
Concession Details for Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients
- 50% (in Sleeper, AC Chair Car, AC 3 tier and AC 2 tier classes)
- Concession Details for Aplastic Anaemia Patients
Concession Details for Non-infectious Leprosy Patients
- 75% (in 1st Class, 2nd Class, Sleeper Class)
- One escort is eligible for the same concession amount
Concession Details for Haemophilia Patients
- 75% (in 1st Class, 2nd Class, Sleeper, 3 Tier AC, AC Chair Car)
- One escort is eligible for the same concession amount
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