Free railway travel for gallantry award winners will begin from November 1, 2026, giving eligible Armed Forces personnel and their families lifetime free rail travel.
The facility is aimed at recognising soldiers who have received gallantry medals for their service to the nation.
Eligible beneficiaries will need to complete registration and verification before using the facility. After successful verification, railway tickets can be booked through the designated railway booking system.
Free Railway Travel From November 1
From November 1, 2026, eligible gallantry medal-winning Armed Forces personnel will be able to travel by train without paying the applicable fare under the new benefit.
The facility will provide lifetime free rail travel to eligible award recipients. Certain eligible family members will also be covered under the scheme, subject to the applicable rules.
The move provides a dedicated travel benefit for personnel who have been recognised with gallantry awards for their service.
Who Is Eligible for Free Rail Travel
The benefit is available to eligible Armed Forces personnel who have received qualifying gallantry awards. Eligible family members can also avail themselves of the facility according to the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Beneficiaries will first have to register their details and complete the required verification process. The registration and verification are important steps before the railway booking facility can be used.
The scheme is therefore not an automatic fare waiver available simply by holding a general service identity card. Beneficiaries must complete the required authentication process.
How to Book Railway Tickets
After registration and verification, eligible beneficiaries can book railway tickets through IRCTC. The process is intended to connect the verified beneficiary details with the railway ticket-booking system.
The facility will become available for eligible users from November 1.
Beneficiaries should ensure that their registration and verification are completed before planning travel under the free-ticket facility.
At the time of booking, eligible users will need to follow the prescribed railway ticket-booking process and provide the required beneficiary details.
What the New Benefit Means
The lifetime travel facility is being introduced as a recognition of gallantry award recipients and their contribution to the country.
It will allow eligible beneficiaries to undertake rail journeys without bearing the normal ticket fare covered under the scheme.
The benefit also extends to eligible family members, making the facility relevant beyond the individual award recipient.
With the implementation date set for November 1, eligible gallantry award winners can complete the required registration and verification in advance so that they are ready to use the facility once bookings become available.