Indian Railways has clarified that passengers holding a valid UDID Card can now travel in reserved SLRD and LSLRD coaches of mail and express trains. The move aims to remove confusion at stations and ensure smoother access for eligible travellers.

According to officials, the decision forms part of ongoing Government Updates focused on improving accessibility and travel dignity for persons with disabilities.

Who Is Eligible

Railway authorities have specified two categories of passengers who will be treated as “authorised” for travel in these reserved compartments.

The first includes individuals holding a valid UDID (Unique Disability ID) Card issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The second category comprises passengers eligible for railway fare concessions under disability norms. However, officials stressed that all such passengers must carry valid tickets or authorised travel documents.

Reserved Coach Details

The SLRD (Second Class Luggage-cum-Brake Van with Disabled Compartment) and LSLRD coaches are specially designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities.

These compartments provide dedicated seating space and accessibility features, ensuring a safer and more convenient journey. The clarification now ensures that genuine passengers are not stopped or questioned unnecessarily while boarding these coaches.

Crackdown on Misuse

Railways has also warned of strict action against unauthorised passengers occupying these reserved compartments. As per officials, anyone found travelling in these coaches without proper eligibility will face penalties under the Railway Act, 1989. Enforcement teams have been instructed to take immediate action to prevent misuse. This step is expected to curb long-standing complaints of overcrowding and misuse of facilities meant for disabled passengers.

What Is UDID

The UDID Card is part of a nationwide initiative to create a central database of persons with disabilities.The system allows for uniform identification and easier access to welfare schemes. Cards are issued by authorised medical authorities under state governments and Union Territories.

Officials say the initiative reduces paperwork and ensures that beneficiaries do not have to repeatedly submit documents for availing services.

Railway ID Integration

In addition to UDID, Indian Railways also provides a disability identity card for concessional travel, sometimes referred to as an e-ticketing photo identity card.

This card allows eligible passengers to avail fare discounts and is linked to disability certification. In some cases, the UDID Card itself is accepted as a valid document for availing such benefits. Applications and renewals can be processed through official railway portals and central government service platforms.

Impact on Passengers

The clarification is being seen as a major Public Interest Story that directly benefits thousands of passengers across the country. By clearly defining eligibility, Railways aims to reduce disputes, improve accessibility, and ensure that facilities reach intended beneficiaries. Passenger groups have long demanded stricter enforcement and better awareness regarding reserved compartments.

What Lies Ahead

Railway officials indicated that awareness campaigns may be launched to inform passengers about the updated rules. There are also plans to strengthen monitoring at stations and onboard trains to ensure compliance.

The latest directive reinforces that UDID Card holders can now travel without obstruction in designated coaches, marking an important step in making railway travel more inclusive.

A Tikamgarh bus accident on Tuesday morning left 11 passengers injured after a private passenger bus overturned near Bada Gaon Road, around five kilometres from the district headquarters. The bus, operated by a private transport company, was travelling from Indore to Tikamgarh when it reportedly lost control and toppled near a crossing close to Hanuman Temple under the Kotwali police station limits.

According to preliminary inputs from local administration, the injured passengers were immediately shifted to the district hospital for treatment. Officials confirmed that while most of the injured sustained minor wounds, a few passengers suffered head injuries requiring closer medical attention. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances that led to the mishap.

Accident Near Temple Crossing

The incident took place during the early hours when the bus reached a busy crossing area near the Hanuman Temple. Eyewitnesses informed local authorities that the vehicle appeared to have been moving at a moderate speed before suddenly losing balance and overturning on the roadside.

Police teams and emergency response units reached the spot shortly after being alerted. The area was cordoned off to ensure smooth rescue operations and traffic movement.

Injured Shifted Hospital

All 11 injured passengers were transported to the district hospital without delay. Medical teams at the facility began immediate treatment upon arrival. Hospital sources indicated that a majority of the injured are stable, while those with head injuries are under observation.

Officials stated that no fatalities have been reported so far. The quick response by ambulance services helped prevent further complications among the injured passengers.

Administrative Response On-Site

Senior district officials, including the Collector and Sub-Divisional Officer, visited the hospital to take stock of the situation and meet the injured passengers. They interacted with medical staff and ensured that proper treatment arrangements were in place.

The administration has directed hospital authorities to provide all necessary medical assistance without delay. Officials also reviewed the condition of each patient admitted following the Tikamgarh bus accident.

Police Investigation Underway

Kotwali police have launched a formal inquiry into the cause of the accident. Initial focus remains on driver statements, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance records. According to police officials, the exact reason behind the loss of control will be ascertained after a detailed investigation.

Authorities are also examining whether overspeeding, mechanical failure, or road conditions contributed to the mishap. Statements from passengers and the driver are being recorded.

Possible Causes Examined

Preliminary assessment suggests that the bus may have become unstable while negotiating the turn near the temple crossing. However, officials have not ruled out technical failure or human error.

Transport department officials are expected to inspect the vehicle to check for mechanical issues. The investigation will also consider road design and visibility factors at the accident site.

Passenger Safety Concerns

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over passenger safety on intercity routes in Madhya Pradesh. Regular commuters have raised questions about vehicle maintenance and monitoring of private bus operators. Authorities have indicated that stricter checks may be introduced if lapses are found in compliance or safety standards.

Next Steps in Probe

The administration has assured that a detailed report will be prepared after completing the investigation. Action will be taken based on findings from police, transport authorities, and medical reports.

Further updates are expected once the driver’s statement and technical inspection results are reviewed. The Tikamgarh bus accident has prompted renewed focus on road safety measures across the region.

The Tikamgarh bus accident remains under active investigation, with officials closely monitoring both the medical condition of the injured and the technical assessment of the vehicle involved.

Passengers face steep price hikes as private operators cash in on festival rush; transport department admits limited control over online bookings

As millions of revellers prepare to celebrate Holi with their families, travellers in Madhya Pradesh are being hit with exorbitant bus fares that have skyrocketed up to eight times the normal rates—this despite Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav's stern warning against overcharging just a day ago.

The Holi fare surge Madhya Pradesh has left passengers stranded or forced to pay astronomical prices, with the Bhopal–Lucknow route emerging as the most expensive, showing ticket prices as high as Rs 8,899 on online booking platforms.

Fares Touch Shocking Highs on Key Routes

Data from popular booking apps reveals rampant overcharging across multiple routes originating from the state capital:

Bhopal–Lucknow: Betwanti Travels is charging Rs 8,899 against the usual Rs 1,400–1,800—a nearly 400 percent hike

Bhopal–Mumbai: Ratan Tour and Travels has listed fares at Rs 6,006, compared to the standard Rs 1,400–1,700 range

Bhopal–Satna: Tickets are touching Rs 4,500 on Red Bus app, while normal rates hover between Rs 1,000–1,200

Bhopal–Rewa: Sunil Tour and Travels is demanding up to Rs 6,000, against the regular Rs 900–1,200 fare

Private bus operators overcharging has become so brazen that even mid-distance routes like Bhopal–Jabalpur and Bhopal–Gwalior are witnessing fares three to four times higher than usual.

Why Prices Have Spiked During Festival Travel Rush

The festival travel rush has created a perfect storm for price gouging. With lakhs of migrant workers, students, and professionals attempting to return to their hometowns for Holi celebrations, demand has far outstripped supply.

"We're seeing unprecedented crowds at bus stands across the state," said a transport department official requesting anonymity. "Private operators know passengers have no choice but to pay these rates if they want to reach home for the festival."

Transport Department's Limited Authority

Bhopal RTO Jitendra Sharma acknowledged the department's constrained role in regulating fares displayed on digital platforms. "We don't directly control prices shown on online booking apps. Ticket rates are determined by individual bus operators, and apps merely reflect those charges," Sharma explained.

He advised aggrieved passengers to file formal complaints with the transport department, promising action against errant operators where jurisdiction permits.

Bus Owners Blame 'Illegal' Tourist Vehicles

Jai Kumar Jain, General Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Bus Owners Association, offered a different perspective. He claimed that legitimate stage carriage buses aren't involved in fare irregularities.

"The real culprits are vehicles operating under All India Tourist Permits that are being illegally used as stage carriages," Jain stated. "These operators face limited regulatory oversight and are exploiting the festival season to maximize profits."

CM's Warning Falls on Deaf Ears?

Just 24 hours before the fare surge came to light, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav had issued strict directives during a video conference with Superintendents of Police and IGs across the state.

"Ensure special sensitivity during festival travel and crack down on illegal fare collection," the CM had instructed, ordering officials to maintain strict vigilance and take immediate action against overcharging.

Yet, enforcement appears to have made little impact on ground reality.

What Passengers Can Do

For those stranded or facing exorbitant fares, experts suggest:

- Document evidence of overcharging through screenshots and payment receipts

- File complaints on the transport department's portal or through the CM Helpline

- Consider alternative travel options like trains or shared private vehicles

- Report specific bus operators with vehicle numbers to local RTO offices

As Holi approaches, thousands remain hopeful that authorities will step in before the festival rush peaks further. For now, families may have to dig deep into their pockets for the priceless joy of reaching home in time for the colours.