Railways Launches Special Lower Berth Allotment for Seniors, Women, and Disabled

In a significant move aimed at ensuring better comfort and accessibility for travelers, Indian Railways has introduced a special provision. This provision will ensure the allotment of lower berths to senior citizens, women, and persons with disabilities. The initiative seeks to enhance the travel experience for these vulnerable groups, making long-distance train journeys more comfortable and convenient.

The key Features of the New Provision

• Earmarked lower berths for Senior citizen, women above 45 year of age and pregnant women in all mail and express trains.

• A Reservation quota for persons with disabilities will be inroduced in all mail/express trains, including Rajdhani and Shatabdi-type trains

• Senior citizens, female passengers aged 45 years and above, and pregnant women are automatically allotted lower berths subject to availability, even if no specific choice is indicated during booking this will ensure greater comfort and ease of travel.

Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, while replying to the question in Lok Sabha, highlighted the Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to provide lower berth accommodations to Senior Citizens, Women, and Persons with Disabilities

These new measures are expected to bring much-needed relief to millions of passengers who often face difficulties in securing a comfortable berth on long-distance journeys, particularly those who require extra assistance or face physical challenges.

• A dedicated quota of six to seven lower berths per coach in Sleeper Class.

• Four to five lower berths per coach in Air Conditioned 3 Tier (3AC).

• Three to four lower berths per coach in Air Conditioned 2 Tier (2AC).

• This provision is available depending on the number of coaches in the train to ensure maximum convenience.

The facility of reservation Quota for Persons with Disabilities is applicable in all mail/express trains, including Rajdhani and Shatabdi-type trains, irrespective of whether concession facilities are availed or not.

• Four berths in Sleeper Class (including two lower berths).

• Four berths in 3AC/3E (including two lower berths).

• Four seats in Reserved Second Sitting (2S) or Air-Conditioned Chair Car (CC)

In the event of vacant lower berths during the journey, preference is given to Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities, and pregnant women who may have been initially allotted middle or upper berths.

Indian Railways remains dedicated to offering seamless and comfortable travel experiences through these inclusive measures. Passengers are encouraged to take advantage of these facilities for a safe and convenient journey.