Traveling long distances for medical treatment can be mentally, physically, and financially exhausting. To support patients, the Indian Railways offers a special railway concession for cancer patients that reduces train ticket costs significantly. This scheme helps thousands of patients travel affordably for surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and periodic medical check-ups.
If you or someone you know is undergoing treatment, this guide will explain eligibility, concession percentage, required documents, booking rules, and step-by-step instructions to get the concession from Indian Railways.
Table of contents
- 1 ⭐ How Much Concession Is Available for Cancer Patients?
- 2 📄 Required Documents for Railway Concession for Cancer Patients
- 3 📝 How to Apply: Railway Concession Form for Cancer Patients
- 4 🔄 Return Journey Concession
- 5 ⛔ Important Rules for Concession Ticket
- 6 🧭 How to Book Railway Ticket for Cancer Patients (Step-by-Step)
- 7 📥 Download Forms
- 8 🔗 Useful Related Guides
- 9 ❓ FAQs: Railway Concession for Cancer Patients
- 10 🏁 Final Words
⭐ How Much Concession Is Available for Cancer Patients?
Cancer patients receive one of the highest discounts offered by Indian Railways.
| Class | Concession for Patient | Concession for Escort |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeper Class (SL) | 100% Fare Exempted | 75% |
| 3AC | 100% Fare Exempted | 75% |
| 2AC & 1AC | 50% | Same as Patient |
| Second Class | 75% | 75% |
| AC Chair Car / First Class | 75% | 75% |
➡ One escort is allowed the same concession, except in some SL & 3AC cases where escort receives 75%.
📄 Required Documents for Railway Concession for Cancer Patients
To avail concession, patients must carry:
- Medical Certificate issued by recognized cancer hospital, oncologist, or treatment center
- Railway concession form for cancer patients (available at station or hospital)
- Aadhaar Card or valid photo ID
- Doctor stamp & signature
If you need the form, you can also check our downloadable Railway Concession for Cancer Patients PDF format.
Tip: Some hospitals already maintain the concession format approved by Indian Railways.
📝 How to Apply: Railway Concession Form for Cancer Patients
- Download or collect the Railway concession form for cancer patients (PDF/Word Format)
- Get it verified and signed by:
- Government hospital oncologist OR
- Recognized cancer treatment center
- Visit the nearest railway reservation counter
- Submit the form along with ID proof
- Book your ticket with concession applied
Note:
Currently, online application is not allowed for cancer concessions through IRCTC.
Only digital concession available is for Divyangjan passengers.
🔄 Return Journey Concession
You can apply for a single or return journey concession. If opting for return journey booking:
- The doctor must mention: “Return Journey Permitted”
- Mention validity period (generally 3–6 months depending on treatment)
⛔ Important Rules for Concession Ticket
Indian Railways has specific rules that apply:
- Concession is allowed only for travel above 300 km
- Valid ONLY for physical counters, not online (except disability concession)
- Only one type of concession per ticket
- Concessional tickets cannot be upgraded
- Break journey is not allowed
🧭 How to Book Railway Ticket for Cancer Patients (Step-by-Step)
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Collect concession form |
| 2 | Get hospital verification |
| 3 | Visit nearest PRS ticket counter |
| 4 | Submit ID proof |
| 5 | Request booking with escort (if needed) |
| 6 | Pay discounted fare and collect printed ticket |
📥 Download Forms
| Format | Link |
|---|---|
| Railway Concession Form for Cancer Patients PDF | Download |
🔗 Useful Related Guides
- IRCTC Senior Citizen Concession Guide
- Divyang Railway Concession Eligibility & Documents
- How to Change Boarding Station in IRCTC
- Tomorrow Cancelled Train List
❓ FAQs: Railway Concession for Cancer Patients
✔ Can cancer patients book concession tickets online?
Currently, no. Cancer concession is only available at railway station counters.
✔ Is concession available on Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains?
Yes, but only for permitted categories and with revised fare rules.
✔ Can I travel with an escort?
Yes. One escort gets the same concession percentage as the patient.
✔ Is concession available for metro trains?
No. Concession applies to Indian Railways only (Passenger/Express/Mail/Superfast trains).
✔ What if my certificate is from a private doctor?
Only certificates issued by approved or recognized hospitals are valid.
🏁 Final Words
The Railway concession for cancer patients is a valuable support system, reducing travel costs during treatment. Understanding the eligibility, documents, and rules helps ensure a smooth journey at affordable rates.
If you need the form in editable Word format, PDF, or printable format, you can request below — I’ll prepare it for download.