Sarathi Seva is a free assistance service run by Konkan Railway for passengers with disabilities. A wheelchair and an attendant are provided at no cost, taking you from your coach to the station exit or the other way round. This guide explains who can use it, which stations offer it, how to request it, and what to do if your station is not covered.
What Sarathi Seva Provides
| What you get | A wheelchair with an attendant to push it and assist you |
| Covers | Coach to station exit, and exit to coach |
| Cost | Free |
| Run by | Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) |
| How to request | SMS your name and journey details in advance |
The value here is the attendant. Many stations provide a wheelchair, but you then need someone to push it and help with luggage. Sarathi Seva includes that person, which is what makes the difference for someone travelling alone.
How to Request Sarathi Seva
- Send an SMS with your name and journey details to the Konkan Railway assistance number, 9664044456.
- Include your train number, date, station and coach so staff know where and when to meet you.
- Request it in advance rather than on arrival, so arrangements can be made.
- Konkan Railway handles the rest, with the attendant meeting you at your coach.
The same number covers senior citizens. Konkan Railway runs a parallel service called Shravan Seva for elderly passengers, using the same contact number. So whether you are booking assistance for a disabled traveler or an elderly relative, this one number serves both. See our Shravan Seva guide.
Please confirm before relying on it. Service numbers change over time. If the SMS does not get a response, call the Konkan Railway helpline on 1800 233 1332, or check the passenger assistance page on the official Konkan Railway website for the current contact.
Which Stations Offer It
The service was introduced at these Konkan Railway stations:
- Chiplun
- Ratnagiri
- Karmali (for Panaji and North Goa)
- Madgaon (for South Goa)
- Udupi
Railways has stated an intention to extend the service to more stations, so it is worth asking about your station even if it is not on this list. Confirm with the helpline before travelling.
If Your Station Is Not on the Konkan Route
Sarathi Seva is specific to Konkan Railway. Elsewhere on the network, these facilities are available:
| Wheelchair at any station | Most stations keep wheelchairs and provide them free on request. Ask at the enquiry counter or Station Master’s office. A porter’s assistance is charged separately. See our wheelchair services guide. |
| Yatri Mitra Sewa | Wheelchair with porter assistance, bookable in advance at major stations. See our Yatri Mitra Sewa guide. |
| E-wheelchair booking | Reserve a wheelchair online through IRCTC at selected stations. |
| Battery operated cars | Buggy services carry passengers between entrance and platform at many large stations. See our buggy services guide. |
| Helpline 139 | For assistance requests and help during the journey, anywhere on the network. |
Other Provisions Worth Knowing
- Concessions. Fare concessions continue for four categories of Divyangjan, unlike most other categories which remain suspended. A Divyangjan photo identity card is needed to book concessional tickets. See our railway ID proof guide.
- Lower berth allotment. If a lower berth falls vacant after departure, the TTE can allot it to a passenger travelling on a disability concession. See our lower berth quota guide.
- Accessible coaches. Many trains carry a coach with wider doors and an accessible toilet, positioned for easier boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
✅ What is Sarathi Seva?
A free service by Konkan Railway providing a wheelchair and an attendant to disabled passengers, from the coach to the station exit and the other way round.
✅ How much does it cost?
Nothing. Both the wheelchair and the attendant are provided free of charge.
✅ How do I book it?
Send an SMS with your name and journey details to 9664044456 in advance. Include your train number, date, station and coach.
✅ Which stations have Sarathi Seva?
Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Karmali, Madgaon and Udupi on the Konkan Railway route, with plans to extend it further.
✅ Is there a similar service for senior citizens?
Yes. Shravan Seva is Konkan Railway’s equivalent for elderly passengers, and it uses the same contact number.
✅ What if my station is not on the Konkan route?
Most stations provide a wheelchair free on request at the enquiry counter. Yatri Mitra Sewa offers wheelchair with porter assistance at major stations, and you can call 139 for help anywhere on the network.
✅ Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, request it ahead of your journey so arrangements can be made. Turning up and asking on the day may not work.
Quick Summary
| Service | Sarathi Seva, by Konkan Railway |
| For | Passengers with disabilities |
| Provides | Wheelchair with an attendant |
| Cost | Free |
| Stations | Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Karmali, Madgaon, Udupi |
| Request by | SMS to 9664044456, in advance |
| Helpline | KRCL 1800 233 1332, or 139 nationally |
| For seniors | Shravan Seva, same number |
Sarathi Seva is a genuinely useful service, and the attendant is what sets it apart from simply borrowing a wheelchair. Request it in advance, confirm the arrangement, and travel with one less thing to worry about. For more, see our guides on senior citizen facilities, wheelchair services, and medical facilities on trains.
Have you used Sarathi Seva or a similar service? Tell us which station in the comments, since readers often ask how well it works in practice.