In a move to make rail travel more inclusive and comfortable, Indian Railways has rolled out significant updates for senior citizens, women, and specially-abled individuals. These changes aim to ensure greater accessibility, comfort, and dignity for vulnerable passengers through reserved lower berths and enhanced station facilities.
Let’s take a detailed look at the new provisions introduced.
Special Lower Berth Quota: More Comfort for Priority Passengers
Recognizing the difficulties faced by elderly travelers, women, and specially-abled passengers, Indian Railways has increased the number of lower berths reserved in every class of travel.
Here’s how the new lower berth reservation looks:
- Sleeper Class: 6–7 lower berths reserved per coach
- 3AC (Three-Tier AC): 4–5 lower berths reserved per coach
- 2AC (Two-Tier AC): 3–4 lower berths reserved per coach
At the time of ticket booking on Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) or through reservation counters, senior citizens (men aged 60 and above, women aged 58 and above), women aged 45 years and above (traveling alone or in a group), and pregnant women are automatically prioritized for lower berths if available.
Important Note:
Lower berth allotment is subject to availability at the time of booking. If lower berths are vacant during the journey, they will be first offered to eligible passengers by the TTE (Travelling Ticket Examiner).
Enhanced Facilities for Specially-Abled Passengers
Indian Railways has made additional berth reservations specifically for passengers with disabilities, ensuring greater ease of travel:
- Sleeper Class: 4 berths reserved (at least 2 lower berths)
- 3AC/3E Class: 4 berths reserved (at least 2 lower berths)
- Second Sitting (2S) / Air-Conditioned Chair Car (CC): 4 seats reserved
In premier trains like Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, and other long-distance expresses, this reservation ensures that disabled travelers can travel with greater comfort and dignity.
Upgraded Station Facilities: Better Accessibility for All
In addition to berth reservations, Indian Railways is actively upgrading station infrastructure to assist differently-abled and elderly passengers:
- Provision of Wheelchairs: Available at most major railway stations either free of cost or on nominal payment.
- Help Desks: Dedicated counters to assist senior citizens, pregnant women, and disabled passengers.
- Ramps and Elevators: Expanded access for wheelchair users and others needing mobility assistance.
- Escalators and Travelators: Being installed at larger stations to reduce walking distance.
The Railways Ministry has made it clear that accessibility improvements are being integrated into station modernization projects under the “Amrit Bharat Station Scheme,” covering hundreds of stations nationwide.
Summing Up
With the introduction of enhanced lower berth quotas and upgraded accessibility facilities, Indian Railways is taking significant steps towards ensuring safer and more comfortable journeys for senior citizens, women, and specially-abled travelers. These reforms highlight the government’s broader focus on making public transportation systems more inclusive and humane.
Passengers are encouraged to check berth availability during booking and to contact railway staff for assistance when needed. With continuous improvements underway, train travel in India is steadily becoming a better experience for all.
