Did you know that you can use train travel concessions if you are traveling for treatment of certain diseases? There is a special deduction in fares for patients under 53 categories. Out of these, at least 10 categories are reserved for severe diseases.

However, like many other rules of Indian Railways, there is a lack of awareness among the people which often leads to non-usage of such benefits. But with the information provided below, more and more patients will be able to avail of the concessions during their forthcoming journeys. So, let us look at various railway fare concessions on medical grounds.

Basics of Booking Tickets for Discount in Train Fare for Medical Trips

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  All the general rules of Indian Railways are applicable for such concessions.
• They are available only for over-the-counter ticket bookings.
• Concessions can be availed both for onward and return journeys.
• The ticket booking authority provides concession after verifying the duly filled form provided by the hospital authorities.

Know more about the concession provided by Indian Railways for a particular disease.

Cancer Patient Concession

More than 20 million people in India have cancer. Despite this high incidence, health care resources are unevenly distributed. This leads patients to travel for treatment to far off cities or town. Attentive to these facts the Indian Railways has been giving concession for cancer patients varying from 50 to 100%, depending on the class chosen for the journey. The concession is applicable when the patient is traveling for treatment or periodic check-ups . 100% (in Sleeper & 3-tier AC), 75% (in 1st Class, 2nd Class & AC Chair Car), 50% (in 1st Class AC & 2 tier AC). Even the 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).

Heart Patient concession

If you are planning for heart surgery at an out-of-station healthcare facility, you can make use of a 50%–75% concession. 75% in 1st Class, 2nd Class, Sleeper, 3 Tier AC, AC Chair Car and 50% in 1st Class AC and 2 tier AC. One person accompanying the patient would receive the same percentage of concession.

AIDS Patient Concession

Though the rate of new HIV infections in India has decreased drastically, nearly 3 million patients still live with HIV. HIV patients who are making travel for further treatment or check-ups at an ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy) center can make use of a discount of 50% for themselves and their caretaker. 50% is given only in 2nd Class.

Kidney Patient Concession

Dialysis or kidney transplant patients traveling by train to an out-of-station health care facility can avail of a concession ranging between 50% and 75% under this scheme. They can have a discount of 75% in 1st Class, 2nd Class, Sleeper, 3 Tier AC, AC Chair Car and 50% in 1st Class AC and 2 tier AC. A single accompanying person will also receive the same percentage of concession.

Concessions for Some Other Diseases

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  For Thalassemia

  — 75% in 1st Class, 2nd Class, Sleeper, 3 Tier AC, AC Chair Car and 50% in 1st Class AC and 2 tier AC. The accompanying person is also eligible for the same concession amount.

• For Hemophilia

  — 75% in 1st Class, 2nd Class, Sleeper, 3 Tier AC, AC Chair Car. The accompanying person is also eligible for the same concession amount.

• For Tuberculosis/Lupus vulgaris

  — 75% in 1st Class, 2nd Class, Sleeper and the same benefits will apply for the accompanying person.

• For Non-infectious Leprosy

  — 75% in 1st Class, 2nd Class, Sleeper Class for the patient and one accompanying person.

• For Ostomy

  — 50% concession in Monthly Season Tickets and Quarterly Season Tickets for the patient and one accompanying person.

• For Sickle Cell Anemia

  — 50% concession in Sleeper, AC Chair Car, AC 3 tier and AC 2 tier classes

• For Aplastic Anemia

  — 50% concession in Sleeper, AC Chair Car, AC 3 tier and AC 2 tier classes.

All these travel concessions have been extended to the second class and AC chair car of Jan Shatabdi Express Trains.

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