In a move to make rail travel comfortable for elderly, differently-abled and ailing travelers, Railways has launched ‘Yatri Mitra Sewa’ to facilitate access to wheelchairs, battery operated cars and porter services.

‘Yatri Mitra’ or ‘Passenger Friend’ can be a “Sahayak (assistant)” or any other person nominated for the purpose. The service will be available at major railway stations across the country.

The service can be availed at the time of online booking of tickets, calling or messaging ‘139’, accessing an app to be developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), or by simply dialling a dedicated mobile phone number to be activated for the purpose.
The IRCTC has been mandate to implement the service which may provide it ‘free of cost’ by involving some NGO, charitable trust, PSUs, etc under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) category.

But, if the service cannot be provided ‘free of cost’ due to lack of response, IRCTC may arrange this service on “reasonable and affordable” charges through a service provider or on its own.

Once the service is booked, the IRCTC will ensure the ‘Yatri Mitra’ receive the passenger at the entrance of the station and help in boarding the train safely. The assistant will also be available at the coach when the passenger arrives at the designated railway station.