Indian Railways has introduced special provisions to ensure that senior citizens, women, and persons with disabilities have access to lower berths, making travel more comfortable and accessible for them.

Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, outlined these initiatives in a recent Lok Sabha response, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to improve passenger convenience.

As part of the initiative, senior citizens, women aged 45 and above, and pregnant women are automatically allotted lower berths, subject to availability, even without indicating this preference during booking. The specific allocation includes:

• Sleeper Class: Six to seven lower berths per coach.
• Air-Conditioned 3 Tier (3AC): Four to five lower berths per coach.
• Air-Conditioned 2 Tier (2AC): Three to four lower berths per coach.

These provisions are adjusted based on the number of coaches in the train to ensure maximum convenience for eligible passengers.

Additionally, Indian Railways reserves a dedicated quota for persons with disabilities in all mail and express trains, including premium services like Rajdhani and Shatabdi, regardless of whether they avail of concessions. The reservation includes:

• Sleeper Class: Four berths (including two lower berths).
• 3AC/3E: Four berths (including two lower berths).
• Reserved Second Sitting (2S) or Air-Conditioned Chair Car (CC): Four seats.

If any lower berths remain vacant during the journey, preference is given to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women who might have been assigned middle or upper berths.

These inclusive measures reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to providing a seamless and comfortable travel experience for all passengers, ensuring their safety and convenience throughout their journey.

Source/ER