Acid Attack Victims to Get Train Fare Concession; Consensus Reached on Inclusion in Patient Category

Shivani Singh

New Delhi, October 5.
Railway is set to take a major step toward ensuring accessible medical treatment for acid attack victims in the country. Following observations from the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Railways has agreed in principle to include acid attack survivors under the patient category and extend concessions on train travel fares. The ministry is formulating a detailed draft policy to make necessary rule amendments, providing financial relief to victims traveling across the country for specialized hospital care.

Ministry of Railways sources revealed that during a hearing on August 16, 2026, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the heavy travel expenses incurred by acid attack survivors for repeated treatments and surgeries at far-off specialized hospitals. The court questioned the central government on whether train fare concessions could be provided to them on par with patients suffering from serious illnesses. Following the court’s stance, the Ministry of Railways reached an in-principle agreement to provide patient category benefits to acid attack victims during medical travel.

Sources further stated that under the proposed draft policy, only those acid attack victims registered and recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 will be eligible for train fare concessions. The discount will apply to travel for follow-up checkups, surgeries, and medical rehabilitation. The draft is currently finalizing technical aspects, including online verification of disability certificates for ticket bookings, application procedures, concession percentages, companion discounts, and audit mechanisms to prevent fraud. The proposed draft policy will be submitted to the court by late October or the first week of November, after which the Railway Ministry will issue an official circular. Once fully integrated into railway booking counters and online systems nationwide, acid attack survivors will officially become the 12th patient category recognized by Indian Railways.
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Current Patient Concessions in Indian Railways
Indian Railways currently provides fare concessions ranging from 50% to 100% across various categories for patients suffering from 11 serious illnesses, including cancer, thalassemia, tuberculosis, and heart ailments, traveling for checkups and treatment. Escorts/companions accompanying the patients are also eligible for this benefit. Acid attack survivors—estimated to number between 1,500 and 2,500—frequently require travel to major hospitals for plastic surgeries, skin grafting, and routine follow-ups.
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