♿ Can I Book a Wheelchair for My Parents in Advance? – Easy Options for Comfortable Travel (2025)
Travelling with elderly parents? Learn how to book a wheelchair for your parents in advance at railway stations, airports, temples, and tourist spots in India. From TheIndiaTourism.in.
🧭 Introduction: A Comfortable Journey for Every Devotee
Traveling with your elderly parents can be a rewarding experience—especially when visiting spiritual places like Gangasagar, Kalighat, or Mayapur. But if mobility is a concern, you might wonder: Can I book a wheelchair for my parents in advance?
The good news is—yes, you can! Whether you’re traveling by train, air, or road, several services across India provide pre-booked wheelchair assistance to make the journey smooth and stress-free.
✅ Where You Can Pre-Book Wheelchair Services
🚉 1. Railway Stations (IRCTC)
Most major railway stations in India offer wheelchair assistance on request.
-
How to Book:
-
While booking tickets on IRCTC, choose “Wheelchair Required”
-
Alternatively, call or visit the Station Manager’s office at least 24 hours in advance
-
-
Available at: Howrah, Sealdah, New Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi & more
-
Charges: Often free of cost; porters may charge a nominal fee
✅ Tip: Use the Yatri app or contact Enquiry Counter upon arrival for assistance.
✈️ 2. Airports (Airlines + CISF)
Every domestic and international airport in India provides free wheelchair service, but advance booking is required.
-
How to Book:
-
While booking flight tickets, select the “Wheelchair Assistance” option
-
You can also call your airline’s customer care 48–72 hours before travel
-
On-the-spot request possible but depends on availability
-
-
Includes: Assistance from check-in to boarding + deboarding + baggage pickup
✅ Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Vistara offer excellent support for seniors.
🛕 3. Temples & Pilgrimage Destinations
Places like Gangasagar, Vaishno Devi, Jagannath Puri, and Dakshineswar offer manual wheelchairs and volunteer support.
-
How to Book:
-
Contact the temple trust office or tourism desk
-
For Gangasagar:
-
GangasagarEcoTourism.com – 📞 +91-7550910009
-
DreamSafar.com – 📞 +91-9650747276
-
-
Request at least 24 hours before arrival
-
-
Extras Available: Palki services, golf carts (in Mayapur), and support volunteers
✅ Local tour providers often include wheelchair and porter assistance in senior citizen packages.
🛏️ 4. Hotels, Guesthouses & Dharmashalas
Many properties, especially those listed on TheIndiaTourism.in, provide wheelchair-friendly infrastructure and rentals.
-
Ask for:
-
Ramp access
-
Ground-floor rooms
-
Wheelchair on request
-
Assistance with bathing or walking
-
✅ When booking hotels for elderly parents, check for senior citizen amenities.
♿ How to Ensure Hassle-Free Mobility for Your Parents
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Book at least 48 hours in advance | Ensures availability of equipment |
| Carry a foldable wheelchair (if needed) | Useful during transfers or small temples |
| Inform tour guide/operator | They can prepare ramps and assistive staff |
| Travel during off-peak hours | Less crowd = more comfort |
| Use digital IDs or medical tags | Quick identification and medical info |
🔗 Suggestions
❓FAQs: Can I Book a Wheelchair for My Parents in Advance?
Is the wheelchair service free at railway stations and airports?
Yes, in most cases. However, private porter assistance (coolie or helper) may charge ₹50–₹150.
Can I get a wheelchair during the Gangasagar Mela?
Yes! It’s best to pre-book through eco-tourism agencies or temple authorities during peak dates.
What if I forgot to pre-book?
Report at the help desk or enquiry counter. They will try their best to arrange one on the spot.
🌼 Conclusion: Care for Parents, Planned with Love
Your parents deserve comfort and dignity while traveling—and now, booking a wheelchair in advance makes that easier than ever. From trains and airports to temples and lodges, India is becoming more senior-friendly and inclusive.
Let TheIndiaTourism.in help you create worry-free, accessible travel plans for your loved ones—because every journey should be a joy, not a struggle.
Can I Book a Wheelchair for My Parents in Advance
