In a landmark decision, the Government of India has extended lifetime free rail travel to Armed Forces personnel decorated with the Sena Medal, Nao Sena Medal, and Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry, along with their eligible family members.
The facility, which already covers recipients of six major ‘Chakra’ awards, will now include these gallantry medals. Beneficiaries can book tickets online via IRCTC starting November 1, 2026, after registering through the Indian Railway Concession Card Portal (IRCCP).
Once verified, awardees will receive electronic passes enabling free travel in First Class, Second AC (2AC), and AC Chair Car, along with one companion. Eligible family members such as spouses, widows/widowers (who have not remarried), and parents of posthumous unmarried awardees will also benefit.
The Ministry of Defence has designed the system to be digital and paperless, ensuring ease of access for the nation’s decorated heroes and their families.
