Indian Railways is one of the world’s largest rail networks, serving millions of passengers daily. Among these passengers, Serving defence personnel, including those from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, have special travel needs. To recognize their service, Indian Railways offers special quotas for serving defense personnel. These quotas are known as the MCO Quota or DDQ (Defence Department Quota). This system helps defense personnel travel efficiently across the country for leave, training, postings, and official duties.
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MCO (MOVEMENT CONTROL OFFICE) CONTACTS
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What is the MCO Quota?
The MCO (Movement Control Office) Quota is a reserved seat quota for defense personnel and their dependents. It allows them to book seats and berths in trains at short notice. This quota ensures that military members can travel easily and quickly when needed.
Eligibility for MCO Quota
The MCO Quota is exclusively for serving defense personnel and their dependents. To use this quota, they must provide certain documents to prove their eligibility.
Documents Required
To avail of the MCO Quota, defense personnel and their dependents need to carry the following documents:
– A photocopy of the train ticket
– An application form for the MCO Quota
– ID proof (Serving certificate or CSD Smart card)
Availability of MCO Quota Seats
The availability of MCO Quota seats is limited and can change depending on various factors, such as the number of seats allocated for a particular train and the demand for those seats. It’s advisable to check the availability of MCO Quota seats well in advance and make reservations accordingly to avoid last-minute hassles.
How to Book Tickets under MCO Quota
Booking a train ticket under the MCO Quota involves a few steps. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:
1.Collect Necessary Documents: Gather the required documents, including a photocopy of your train ticket, the application form for the MCO Quota, a valid defense ID (preferably a smart card or serving certificate), and a letter of authority if you are traveling on duty.
2.Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the application form with your personal and travel details, such as your name, unit, date of journey, train number, and class of travel.
3.Send the Documents by Email: If you prefer to send the documents via email, scan them and email them to the designated MCO office email address. You can get the MCO email address by contacting them through a call. Make sure to mention your name and travel details in the email subject line.
4.Visit the MCO Office: Alternatively, you can visit the MCO office in person and submit the documents. The MCO office is usually located at major railway stations across India. Check the location of the nearest MCO office.
5.Wait for Confirmation: After submitting the documents, wait for confirmation from the MCO office. It’s advisable to apply for the DD Quota well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.
Special Concessions for Defense Personnel
Apart from the MCO Quota, Indian Railways offers various concessions to defense personnel, war widows, and gallantry award winners.
Defense Quota (DQ)
The Defense Quota (DQ) is applicable for personnel from the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as paramilitary servicemen. Under this quota, two seats are reserved in most trains across the nation. Tickets can be booked under the Defense Quota for official purposes like relocation or movement of forces, or for individual travel when defense personnel are on leave or rejoining duty.
Booking Tickets under DQ: To book tickets under this quota, defense personnel must approach the MCO with a duly filled booking form and their original Indian Armed Forces identity card. For bulk bookings, a defense staff member can approach the MCO with an attested letter from a supervising officer, booking forms, and photocopies of identity cards for all travelers.
Who Can Avail of This Quota?: The Defense Quota is available for military officers, cadets of the National Defence Academy, Air Force College, Naval Training Establishments, Junior Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers, Chief Jetty Officers of the Navy, certain non-combatants in the Defense Service, military pensioners journeying to attend regimental reunions, and members of the Military Nursing Services.
Concessions for War Widows
To honor the sacrifice of martyrs, Indian Railways offers a 75% concession in Second and Sleeper classes for war widows. This concession is also available for widows of paramilitary personnel and other defense personnel killed in action against terrorists, IPKF personnel killed in action in Sri Lanka, and martyrs of Operation Vijay (Kargil).
How to Avail of This Concession: War widows can avail of this concession by providing the identity card issued by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB).
Concessions for Gallantry Award Winners & Widows
Winners of gallantry awards like the Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shourya Chakra can travel in First and Second AC classes free of charge. This concession also applies to widows of gallantry award winners, who can travel with one companion.
How to Avail of This Concession: This concession can be availed by showing the award certificates or an identity card issued by the KSB during the booking process.
How to Avail of This Concession: During the booking process, the passenger must provide the necessary certificates and an attested requisition confirming their eligibility.
Conclusion
The MCO Quota and other special concessions provided by Indian Railways are significant benefits for defense personnel, recognizing their service and sacrifices. These facilities make train travel more accessible and affordable for them and their families. By understanding the eligibility criteria, required documents, and booking process, defense personnel can easily avail themselves of these benefits, ensuring a smooth and comfortable travel experience across India.
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