UDID Card Railway Concession Process: Eligibility and How to Apply
The UDID card railway concession process allows eligible persons with disabilities to access discounted train travel and establish a nationally recognised disability identity. Depending on the disability category and travel class, Indian Railways may provide a ticket concession of up to 75%.
However, a UDID card does not automatically make every cardholder eligible for discounted railway tickets. Passengers must satisfy Indian Railways’ concession rules and may need a separate Railway-issued Divyangjan Photo Identity Card for online bookings.
What Is a UDID Card?
UDID stands for Unique Disability Identity. It is issued under the Unique Disability ID project of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The card contains important details such as the holder’s disability type, disability percentage, and identification information. It provides persons with disabilities with a standard identity that can be used across states and Union Territories.
The UDID system also allows cardholders to track their applications, download disability certificates, request renewals, and apply for replacement cards through the official portal.
Who Can Apply for a UDID Card?
Any Indian citizen with a recognised full or partial disability can submit an application through the official UDID portal. The disability must be assessed and certified by a competent medical authority notified by the respective state or Union Territory.
Applicants assessed below 40% disability may also receive a disability certificate and UDID card under the updated government advisory. However, many welfare schemes and concessions require a benchmark disability of at least 40%.
Therefore, receiving a UDID card does not mean that the holder will automatically qualify for every government benefit.
UDID Card Railway Concession Eligibility
Indian Railways provides fare concessions to specified categories of passengers with disabilities. The discount depends on factors such as:
- Type and percentage of disability
- Whether the passenger requires an escort
- Class of travel
- Type of train
- Railway concession category approved for the passenger
Eligible passengers in certain categories may receive up to a 75% concession in Second Class, Sleeper Class, First Class, AC Chair Car, and 3AC. Lower concessions may apply to travel in 1AC, 2AC, Rajdhani or Shatabdi trains.
The maximum 75% railway discount is not available to every UDID cardholder. Passengers should check the concession category mentioned in their Railway-issued identity card before booking.
Is the UDID Card Enough for a Railway Discount?
The UDID card and the Railway Divyangjan Card serve different purposes.
The UDID card is a national disability identity document. The Railway Divyangjan Card, also known as the E-Ticketing Photo Identity Card or EPICS, is issued by Indian Railways to passengers who qualify for railway fare concessions.
Passengers booking concessional e-tickets through IRCTC generally need the photo identity card issued by Indian Railways. The card details must be entered while booking, and the original card should be carried during the journey for verification.
A UDID card may be submitted as supporting disability proof while applying for Railway concession facilities, but it does not replace the Railway card in every booking situation.
Documents Required for a UDID Card
Applicants should keep the following documents ready:
- Recent passport-size colour photograph
- Aadhaar card or Aadhaar enrolment details
- Address proof
- Active mobile number
- Existing disability certificate, if available
- Relevant medical or diagnostic documents
Additional records may be requested by the hospital or medical authority, depending on the applicant’s disability and assessment requirements.
How to Apply for a UDID Card Online
Visit the official UDID portal and create an account using the applicant’s personal and contact information.
Complete the online application for a disability certificate and UDID card. Enter the disability details, select the appropriate hospital or medical authority, and upload the required documents.
After submitting the application, follow these steps:
- Track the application status through the portal.
- Visit the selected hospital or the Chief Medical Officer’s office when instructed.
- Complete document verification.
- Undergo an assessment by specialist doctors, where required.
- Wait for approval from the competent medical authority.
Once approved, the disability certificate and UDID card are generated through the portal and made available for download.
How to Apply for a Railway Divyangjan Card
Passengers who qualify under Indian Railways’ concession rules must apply separately for the Railway Divyangjan Photo Identity Card.
Applicants may be required to provide:
- UDID card or a valid disability certificate
- Railway concession certificate in the prescribed format
- Identity and address proof
- Recent photograph
- Contact details
The documents are examined by the Railway authorities. After approval, the passenger can use the Railway-issued card details to book eligible concessional tickets through IRCTC.
Other Benefits of a UDID Card
The UDID card can simplify access to disability-related government services by reducing the need to submit separate disability certificates repeatedly.
Depending on the rules of the relevant scheme, cardholders may use it while applying for scholarships, assistive devices, skill-development programmes, education benefits and other welfare services.
Benefits can vary according to disability percentage, age, income, state policies, and the conditions of each scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every UDID cardholder receive a 75% railway discount?
No. The concession depends on the passenger’s approved disability category, need for an escort, travel class, and Indian Railways’ rules.
Can a person with less than 40% disability apply?
Yes. Persons assessed below 40% may receive a UDID card, but they may not qualify for benefits requiring benchmark disability.
Is a separate Railway Divyangjan Card required?
For concessional online ticket booking through IRCTC, eligible passengers generally need the photo identity card issued by Indian Railways.
Can the UDID card be downloaded online?
Yes. Once approved, the UDID card and disability certificate can be downloaded or printed from the official UDID portal.
