Divyang and Wheelchair Assistance Helpline for Trains

Indian Railways runs a dedicated assistance service for Divyang (differently-abled) passengers and anyone who needs a wheelchair to get between the station entrance and the train. The pre-bookable version is IRCTC's Yatri Mitra Sewa, a paid wheelchair-and-porter service at major stations; station wheelchairs themselves are free, and 139 remains the number for help on the day.

What is the direct helpline number for divyang assistance?

There is no separate divyang number: 139 is the railway helpline for security, medical and general help, and it can alert staff at your station. Planned wheelchair help is arranged differently. Yatri Mitra Sewa is booked through IRCTC and provides a wheelchair with a porter who meets you at the station entrance, helps with luggage to the coach, and can be booked at your destination station too; it is a paid service, with charges that vary by station. Stations also keep wheelchairs that divyang passengers and senior citizens can use free of charge, usually through the station master or enquiry counter.

How far in advance should I contact them before travel?

A day ahead is the practical minimum for Yatri Mitra Sewa, booked through IRCTC once you have your PNR. A free station wheelchair can be requested on arrival at the station, but a pre-arranged request with your exact train number, coach and arrival time gets a more reliable response than a last-minute call.

Does the helpline also help with boarding assistance at the destination?

Yes, but you need to ask for it specifically, ideally when you first make the request. Mention both your boarding and destination stations so the attendant network at the arrival end also knows to expect you. If you only booked help at the boarding station and realise later you need it at the destination too, book it for that station through IRCTC, or ask the TTE or call 139 before arrival so the destination station can be alerted.

Is this the same team that handles the wheelchair coach requests?

Yatri Mitra Sewa covers the station-level assistance: getting from the entrance to your coach and back, with a wheelchair and porter help. Wheelchairs themselves are kept at a large number of stations and can be used free of cost by Divyang passengers and senior citizens. For the train itself, most Mail/Express trains carry a divyang-friendly coach (SLRD) with a wider door and an accessible compartment and toilet, and a small reserved quota for divyang passengers with a concession card. Confirm the facilities on your specific train with IRCTC or the reservation office at booking, since they depend on the train and coach type.

What else is available for Divyang passengers

Beyond station assistance, Indian Railways offers fare concessions for Divyang passengers and their escorts on many trains, and priority in certain quota allocations. These specific rules and eligibility categories change from time to time, so check the current position on the IRCTC website or at a reservation counter rather than relying on an old figure. Concessional e-tickets for eligible categories can be booked online, with the concession applied at the time of booking rather than claimed afterward.

Booking a journey with accessibility in mind

• Book Yatri Mitra Sewa through IRCTC as soon as you have your ticket, rather than leaving it to the day of travel.
• Choose a lower berth where berth choice matters, since it avoids climbing and makes the coach easier to navigate.
• Pick a reasonable arrival time rather than the absolute fastest train, since navigating an unfamiliar station is easier in daylight with more staff around.
• Keep the booking details handy close to arrival if your journey is long, and ask the TTE to alert the destination station if your train is running very late.

At the station

Look for the assistance point near the station entrance or the enquiry counter rather than heading straight to the platform, since that's typically where the attendant meets passengers who've requested help. If you're unsure where to go, ask any uniformed railway staff member, they can direct you or radio the right person. Our live running status pages show a train's current position and expected arrival, which helps you and your attendant time the meeting point better if the train is running late.

Once assistance is arranged, the rest of the journey works the same as any other booking. Check seat and berth availability on our trip planner, and for the broader set of station help options beyond wheelchair assistance, our senior citizen helpline guide covers the same Yatri Mitra Sewa process from a different angle.

If you're travelling without an escort

Solo Divyang travellers can still book full Yatri Mitra Sewa assistance, it doesn't require a companion present at the station. If possible, share your PNR, train number and coach with someone at your destination so they know your expected arrival and can coordinate with the attendant if plans change, such as the train running late.