Yatri Mitra Sewa is Indian Railways’ assistance service for elderly passengers, those with disabilities, and anyone unwell. It provides a wheelchair together with a person to push it and carry your luggage, meeting you at your coach or at the station entrance. This guide explains how to book it, what it costs, and how it works on the day.
What makes this different from a station wheelchair. Most stations will lend you a wheelchair, but you then need someone to push it and manage bags. Yatri Mitra Sewa includes that person, booked in advance, who meets you at a specific place and time. For someone travelling alone or with a frail relative, that is the whole difference.
Is It Free?
This depends on the station, and it is worth understanding why.
IRCTC is responsible for providing the service and tries to arrange it free of charge through NGOs, charitable trusts and public sector companies under their CSR programms. Where a sponsor has come forward, the service costs you nothing. Where no sponsor is available, IRCTC arranges it through a paid service provider instead.
| Where sponsored | Free of charge |
| Where not sponsored | A service charge applies, collected directly by the provider |
Charges are meant to be kept modest, since the point of the scheme is to help people who need it. Ask when you book, and the amount payable is confirmed in your booking SMS.
How to Book
| IRCTC website | Book through the e-ticketing site along with or after your ticket |
| Dial 139 | Available through the IVR menu |
| SMS to 139 | Useful where calling is difficult |
| Station mobile number | Each participating station has a dedicated number, listed on the IRCTC and zonal railway websites |
You will need your PNR, train number, date, coach and berth, along with a mobile number you will have with you on the day.
What Happens After You Book
- You receive an SMS confirming the booking, with the charge if one applies.
- Before your train is due, you receive a second SMS with the mobile number of the Yatri Mitra assigned to you.
- The same details go to the service provider, so both sides know where to meet.
Save that number. If anything goes wrong on the day, being able to call the assigned Yatri Mitra directly is far quicker than going through the helpline. Keep the SMS rather than deleting it.
How It Works on the Day
If You Are Arriving
- The Yatri Mitra waits on the platform near your coach.
- They approach you and show the message on their phone, which matches the one you received, so you can confirm they are the right person.
- They collect your luggage, help you into the wheelchair, and take you to the exit you want, or to another platform if you are changing trains.
- If your train is running late, the provider calls you on the number you gave and adjusts to the new arrival time. You do not need to rebook.
If You Are Departing
- The Yatri Mitra waits at the station entrance you nominated.
- They call you beforehand to confirm when you will arrive and which gate you are using.
- On arrival they greet you, show the matching message, take your luggage and bring you to the platform.
Who Can Use It
- Senior citizens.
- Passengers with disabilities.
- Passengers who are unwell or recovering, including those travelling for treatment.
You do not need a disability certificate to book. The service is available at major stations, so check whether your station participates before relying on it.
If Your Station Does Not Have It
| Station wheelchair | Most stations provide one free on request at the enquiry counter or Station Master’s office, with a porter charged separately. See our wheelchair services guide. |
| E-wheelchair booking | Reserve online through IRCTC at selected stations. |
| Battery operated cars | Buggy services run between entrance and platform at many large stations. See our buggy services guide. |
| Porter services | Available at all stations on a paid basis. See our porter charges guide. |
| Sarathi Seva | Free wheelchair with attendant at selected Konkan Railway stations. See our Sarathi Seva guide. |
| Helpline 139 | For assistance anywhere on the network. |
Practical Advice
- Book well ahead, particularly at busy stations and during festival periods, since the number of wheelchairs and attendants at each station is limited.
- Give a mobile number you will actually answer on the day, since the whole arrangement depends on it.
- Book the return leg separately. Assistance at your destination does not cover your journey back.
- Know your coach position so you can tell the attendant where to wait. See our coach position guide.
- Give feedback afterwards. The system allows passengers to report whether the service was actually provided, which is how poor performance gets identified.
Frequently Asked Questions
✅ What is Yatri Mitra Sewa?
An Indian Railways service providing a wheelchair together with a person to push it and handle luggage, for elderly, disabled and unwell passengers at major stations.
✅ Is Yatri Mitra Sewa free?
It depends on the station. Where a sponsor supports it under CSR, it is free. Where not, a modest service charge applies, collected by the provider. The amount is confirmed in your booking SMS.
✅ How do I book it?
Through the IRCTC e-ticketing website, by dialling or texting 139, or on the dedicated mobile number for your station.
✅ What details do I need?
Your PNR, train number, date, coach and berth, plus a mobile number you will have with you.
✅ What if my train is late?
The provider contacts you on your registered number and adjusts to the revised arrival time. No rebooking is needed.
✅ How will I recognise the Yatri Mitra?
They show you the message on their phone, which matches the one you received. They also carry an ID card issued by the railway division.
✅ Do I need a disability certificate?
No. The service is open to senior citizens, passengers with disabilities and those who are unwell, without documentation.
Quick Summary
| What it is | Wheelchair plus attendant with luggage help |
| For | Senior citizens, passengers with disabilities, those unwell |
| Cost | Free where sponsored, otherwise a modest charge |
| Book via | IRCTC website, 139 by call or SMS, or the station number |
| Need | PNR, train, date, coach, berth, mobile number |
| Available at | Major stations |
| If train is late | Provider adjusts, no rebooking needed |
Yatri Mitra Sewa takes a lot of anxiety out of travelling with an elderly or unwell family member, provided you book it in advance and keep the confirmation SMS. For more, see our guides on senior citizen facilities, wheelchair services and medical facilities on trains.
Have you booked Yatri Mitra Sewa? Tell us which station and how it went in the comments, since readers often ask whether it works in practice.