The Ministry of Defence has approved lifetime train travel facilities for recipients of the Sena Medal, Nau Sena Medal and Vayu Sena Medal awarded for gallantry, extending the benefit to eligible family members as part of a major welfare initiative for decorated personnel.
Under the approved scheme, gallantry awardees will be entitled to lifetime rail travel across Indian Railways in First Class, Second AC and AC Chair Car.
The benefit will also be available to the spouses of eligible awardees. Widows and widowers of gallantry awardees will continue to receive the facility until remarriage.
Parents of unmarried personnel who were awarded the Sena Medal, Nau Sena Medal or Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry posthumously will also be covered under the scheme.
To make the process easier and paperless, a digital system has been introduced for registration and issue of travel passes. Eligible beneficiaries can register through the Indian Railway Concession Card Portal at irccp.indianrail.gov.in/IRCCP.
After successful verification and authentication, beneficiaries will be issued electronic passes online. Ticket booking using the approved concession facility through the IRCTC web portal will begin from November 1, 2026.
The initiative is aimed at recognising the courage, sacrifice and service of gallantry awardees while also supporting their families.
The move also reflects the government’s focus on improving welfare measures for serving personnel, veterans and the families of soldiers who have made significant sacrifices in the line of duty.
