Big Change In Rail Travel Rules! Lower Berth Confirmed For Seniors And Women, Know Ministers Announcement
Lower Berth: There is great news for Indian Railway passengers. The Ministry of Railways has brought a sigh of relief, especially for senior citizens and women who often worry about not getting a lower berth during train journeys. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav himself announced in the Rajya Sabha that the process of getting lower berths for senior citizens and women over 45 years of age has now been made easier and automatic.
On Friday (December 5), the Railway Minister informed the Rajya Sabha that even if a passenger does not select the lower berth option at the time of ticket booking, the Railway booking system will automatically allocate lower seats based on availability, considering their age and gender. This step has been taken to make the journey safer and more comfortable for elderly and female passengers.
Reserved Quota for Lower Berths
The Railway Minister clarified that a specific number of lower berths are kept reserved in Sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC coaches for senior citizens, women above 45 years, and pregnant women. Below is a table detailing the number of reserved seats according to the coach type:
| Coach Type (Class) | Number of Reserved Lower Berths (Per Coach) |
|---|---|
| Sleeper Class | 6 – 7 Berths |
| 3AC | 4 – 5 Berths |
| 2AC | 3 – 4 Berths |
Facilities for Divyangjan or Disabled Passengers
Not just seniors or women, special arrangements have also been made for passengers with disabilities (Divyangjan). The Railway Minister stated that seat reservations are available for disabled passengers in all Mail and Express trains, including Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express.
- Sleeper & 3AC: According to regulations, 4 berths are reserved in Sleeper and 3AC (3AC/3E) classes. This includes two lower and two middle berths.
- Chair Car: In reserved Second Seating (2S) and AC Chair Car (CC) classes, 4 seats are reserved for disabled passengers.
- Priority on Vacant Berths: If a lower berth remains vacant during the journey, the TTE can allot that seat on a priority basis to senior citizens, pregnant women, or disabled passengers who might be travelling in upper or middle berths.
Modernization for Passenger Safety and Comfort
The Railway Minister further added that several changes have been made to train coaches to ensure passenger safety and comfort. The designs of Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains have been created keeping the needs of disabled passengers specifically in mind.
- Improved Toilets & Doors: The doors of coaches and toilets have been widened to allow easy wheelchair access. Grab rails have been installed inside toilets, and wash basins and mirrors have been placed at an accessible height.
- Braille Signage: Braille signs have been provided in coaches to assist visually impaired passengers in reading instructions easily.
- Vande Bharat Express: These modern trains feature wheelchair-accessible spaces and special toilets in the first and last coaches.
This initiative by the Ministry of Railways will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for the common man. The automatic lower berth allocation system is a significant benefit, especially for those concerned about travelling with elderly parents or grandparents.
