For defence personnel in India, seamless travel is a necessity, whether for official duty or personal reasons. The Movement Control Office (MCO) plays a crucial role in coordinating and facilitating travel arrangements for the armed forces.
From ticketing to travel support during emergencies, MCO offices serve as a lifeline for defence personnel navigating the complexities of railway travel.
In this blog, we will explore the importance of the MCO Contact Number, how to efficiently utilize the MCO Quota and the range of services provided by MCO offices across India.
Let’s dive deeper into the specifics and make the process clearer for defence personnel seeking travel support.
What is MCO?
The Movement Control Office (MCO) is a dedicated department set up to assist Indian defence personnel with travel-related services. It acts as a pivotal link between defence personnel and the Indian Railways, facilitating travel arrangements under the MCO Quota.
This quota is specifically reserved for armed forces members and their dependents to ensure hassle-free travel, even during peak seasons.
The MCO manages various tasks such as handling railway ticket reservations, processing cancellations, and addressing urgent travel needs.
For example, if a defence member requires immediate travel for official duties or family emergencies, the MCO ensures that their travel is prioritized and streamlined.
Additionally, MCO offices coordinate with railway authorities to ensure the availability of special quotas and address any logistical challenges faced by personnel during their journey.
Overall, the MCO significantly reduces travel-related stress for defence personnel and contributes to efficient planning and execution of their travel needs.
MCO Contact Number for All States
Based on the latest informations, here is an updated state-wise table of Movement Control Office (MCO) Contact Numbers and Fax Numbers for key locations across India. These contact details are essential for railway bookings, cancellations, and other travel-related assistance for defence personnel.
| State/UT | City | MCO Office Contact Number | Fax Number |
| Delhi | New Delhi | 011-23237984 | 011-23230510 |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai (CST) | 022-22690066 | 022-22620674 |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai | 044-25356900 | 044-25350048 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Prayagraj | 0532-2618176 | 0532-2222640 |
| West Bengal | Howrah | 033-26386548 | 033-26411231 |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru | 080-29504888 | 080-29502888 |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad | 079-22160567 | 079-22862627 |
| Punjab | Amritsar | 0183-2560845 | 0183-2560845 |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur | 0141-2360768 | 0141-2388294 |
| Assam | Guwahati | 0361-2734830 | 0361-2734831 |
| Bihar | Danapur | 06115-231751 | 06115-231751 |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal | 0755-2733421 | 0755-2746213 |
| Haryana | Ambala | 0171-2645138 | 0171-2645138 |
| Telangana | Hyderabad | 040-23201542 | 040-23201540 |
| Kerala | Kochi | 0484-2668129 | 0484-2668129 |
| Goa | Madgaon | 0832-2700505 | 0832-2582767 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Jammu Tawi | 0191-2470795 | 0191-2470182 |
| Uttarakhand | Dehradun | 0135-2520159 | 0135-2520159 |
| Chhattisgarh | Raipur | 0771-2282236 | 0771-2282236 |
| Odisha | Bhubaneswar | 0674-2301525 | 0674-2301525 |
| Himachal Pradesh | Shimla | 0177-2652561 | 0177-2652561 |
| Jharkhand | Ranchi | 0651-2460827 | 0651-2460827 |
| Manipur | Imphal | 0385-2450214 | 0385-2450214 |
| Meghalaya | Shillong | 0364-2222213 | 0364-2222213 |
| Nagaland | Dimapur | 03862-233936 | 03862-233936 |
| Tripura | Agartala | 0381-2325987 | 0381-2325987 |
| Mizoram | Aizawl | 0389-2341236 | 0389-2341236 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar | 0360-2212233 | 0360-2212233 |
| Sikkim | Gangtok | 03592-202566 | 03592-202566 |
| Andaman & Nicobar | Port Blair | 03192-241097 | 03192-241097 |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh | 0172-2658145 | 0172-2641034 |
| Puducherry | Puducherry | 0413-2334145 | 0413-2334145 |
| Lakshadweep | Kavaratti | 04896-262138 | 04896-262138 |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli | Silvassa | 0260-2642107 | 0260-2642107 |
| Daman & Diu | Daman | 0260-2254215 | 0260-2254215 |
How Can You Use the MCO Quota in Indian Railways?
The MCO Quota is a travel benefit exclusively for defence personnel and their dependents. Here’s how you can use it effectively:
- Eligibility: Ensure that you fall under the eligible categories, such as serving armed forces personnel, retired members, or their dependents.
- Documentation: Carry essential documents, including your Service ID Card and a Travel Authorization Letter from your commanding officer.
- Visit the MCO Office: Submit your travel request, detailing the destination, date of travel, and preferred train.
- Ticket Issuance: Once the request is processed, the MCO office will provide a confirmed railway ticket under the MCO Quota.
It’s important to note that the availability of the MCO Quota is limited and operates on a priority basis. Planning your travel well in advance and submitting all required documents promptly will help ensure a smooth booking experience.
Where Can You Find the Nearest MCO Office?
Locating the nearest MCO office is straightforward and can be done using several resources:
- Online Directories: Defence-related websites and portals like Indian Railways provide updated contact details and locations of MCO offices.
- Military Establishments: Enquire at the nearest military unit or cantonment for accurate information on MCO office locations.
- Railway Stations: Many major railway stations across India have dedicated MCO counters to assist defence personnel.
For instance, the MCO office in Delhi is located at New Delhi Railway Station, while in Mumbai, it’s situated at CST. These offices are strategically positioned to ensure easy accessibility for defence personnel, minimizing travel-related hassles.
What Are the Main Services Provided by MCO Offices?
MCO offices offer a wide range of services to defence personnel, ensuring a smooth travel experience. These services include:
- Reservation Assistance: Booking railway tickets under the MCO Quota.
- Travel Guidance: Advising personnel on the best travel routes and train schedules.
- Emergency Support: Facilitating urgent travel arrangements during emergencies.
- Cancellations and Refunds: Assisting with ticket cancellations and processing refunds efficiently.
- Coordination with Railways: Liaising with railway authorities for bulk bookings or resolving special requests.
These services are designed to address the unique travel needs of defence personnel, offering both convenience and efficiency.
Why Is the MCO Contact Number Important for Defence Personnel?
The MCO Contact Number is an indispensable resource for defence personnel, providing swift solutions to travel-related challenges. Here are additional reasons why it holds significance:
- Quick Access to Information: Defence personnel can obtain train schedules, platform details, and reservation statuses without delay.
- Coordination with Railway Authorities: The contact number acts as a channel for MCO offices to resolve disputes with railway authorities on behalf of personnel.
- Personalized Assistance: MCO staff can offer tailored guidance for travel-related inquiries, ensuring specific needs are met.
- Availability During Odd Hours: Defence personnel can rely on MCO helplines, often available during non-standard working hours, to address emergencies.
Having this contact readily accessible empowers defence members to handle travel efficiently, especially during time-sensitive situations.
How to Book Railway Tickets Using the MCO Quota?
The process of booking tickets under the MCO Quota is simple and streamlined. Here’s an expanded step-by-step guide:
- Gather Required Documents: Along with your Service ID and Travel Authorization Letter, ensure you carry a copy of your dependent’s ID if booking for family members.
- Visit the MCO Office: Locate the nearest MCO office based on your current location. If unavailable, consult the railway station’s helpdesk for alternative arrangements.
- Fill Out the Reservation Form: Provide detailed travel information, such as train name, number, and berth preference.
- Verification and Approval: Submit the completed form and documents for verification. Ensure all details are accurate to avoid rejection.
- Collect Your Ticket: Once processed, collect your ticket and check for any discrepancies before leaving.
For a hassle-free experience, defence personnel are encouraged to inquire about MCO Quota availability in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
What Documents Are Required for MCO Quota Reservations?
To ensure a smooth booking process under the MCO Quota, you must have the following documents:
- Service ID Card or Defence Personnel ID: Proof of your service status, mandatory for eligibility.
- Travel Authorization Letter: Issued by your commanding officer, authorizing your travel under the MCO Quota.
- Dependent Proof (if applicable): Documents such as a dependent ID card or family relationship certificate if booking for family members.
- Address Proof: Some MCO offices may require a valid address proof to verify your current location.
- Train Travel History (if applicable): Previous travel documents might be requested for record-keeping purposes in certain situations.
It’s recommended to have multiple photocopies of these documents, as the MCO office may retain copies for their records.
How to Get Support from MCO for Travel-Related Issues?
The MCO Office is a one-stop solution for resolving travel-related challenges faced by defence personnel. Here are more ways it provides support:
- Modification of Travel Plans: Assistance in making last-minute changes to travel dates or train preferences.
- Lost Ticket Recovery: Help in retrieving or reissuing lost tickets under the MCO Quota.
- Special Arrangements for Medical Emergencies: Coordinating with railway staff for medical or wheelchair assistance during travel.
- Escort Assistance for Families: In cases of long-distance travel, MCO offices can coordinate escort services for dependents.
MCO staff are trained to handle various scenarios, ensuring that travel disruptions are minimized and defence personnel can focus on their duties.
Who Can Access the Benefits of the MCO Quota?
The MCO Quota is a valuable resource, available exclusively to specific categories within the defence community. Here’s a deeper look at who qualifies:
- Serving Defence Personnel: Active members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force travelling on duty or for personal reasons.
- Retired Defence Personnel: Veterans, including those who retired from commissioned and non-commissioned ranks, provided they have valid ID proof.
- Dependents of Defence Personnel: Spouses, children, and, in some cases, parents of serving or retired personnel are eligible for travel benefits under the quota.
- Recruits and Cadets: New recruits and cadets undergoing training may also utilize the MCO Quota when traveling to or from training facilities.
- Civilian Staff of Defence Units: Certain civilian employees working within defence establishments may access the quota for official travel.
To ensure eligibility, documentation must be thoroughly verified by the MCO office prior to booking. This helps maintain the integrity of the system and ensures that the quota benefits those it is intended for.
Conclusion
The Movement Control Office (MCO) is an essential resource for Indian defence personnel, ensuring seamless travel under the MCO Quota. By staying informed about the required documents, processes, and available services, defence personnel can utilize the MCO effectively.
Whether it’s urgent travel or regular bookings, the MCO plays a crucial role in facilitating efficient and hassle-free journeys.
Always keep the MCO Contact Number handy to access timely support and guidance, ensuring smooth travel experiences at all times.
FAQs
What is the MCO Quota in Indian Railways?
The MCO Quota is a special reservation category for defence personnel and their dependents, offering priority travel arrangements.
Who is eligible for the MCO Quota?
Serving defence personnel, retired personnel, and their dependents are eligible for the MCO Quota, subject to verification of documents.
Can MCO tickets be booked online?
Yes, eligible personnel can book MCO Quota tickets through the Indian Railways website if the option is available.
What is the role of the MCO office?
MCO offices facilitate railway bookings, cancellations, and travel support for defence personnel, ensuring hassle-free journeys.
Can dependents book tickets under the MCO Quota?
Yes, dependents of defence personnel can book tickets under the MCO Quota with proper documentation, such as a dependent ID.
Is there a time limit for booking MCO Quota tickets?
MCO Quota tickets must generally be booked at least 24-48 hours in advance, depending on availability and urgency.
What happens if I lose my MCO ticket?
In case of a lost ticket, contact the MCO office immediately for assistance in reissuing or resolving the issue.
