Indian Railways Simplifies Lower Berth Allotment for Senior Citizens, Pregnant Passengers and Others

Indian Railways has adjusted how lower berths are assigned to passengers who generally need them the most.  

Senior citizens and women aged 45 and above will now receive lower berths automatically, subject to availability, even when the option is not selected while booking. The update is meant to reduce last-minute requests at stations and on trains. 

Reserved Lower Berths by Class 

As per news reports, a fixed portion of lower berths will remain blocked for senior citizens, pregnant travellers and women aged 45 and above.  

Sleeper class coaches will keep 6-7 lower berths aside, 3AC will set aside 4-5, and 2AC will reserve 3-4. The exact number varies with the coach composition of each train. These berths stay restricted for eligible passengers throughout the booking cycle. 

Quota for Passengers with Disabilities 

A separate quota has been created for persons with disabilities (divyangjan) and their attendants on all Mail and Express services, including Rajdhani and Shatabdi.  

The quota includes 4 berths in sleeper class, four in 3AC/3E, and four seats in 2S or AC Chair Car. Each category includes lower and middle berths to accommodate basic accessibility needs. 

Accessibility in Dedicated Coaches 

Most long-distance trains will now operate with separate divyangjan coaches. These coaches have wider entry doors, larger berths, wheelchair parking areas, and lavatories fitted with grab rails.  

Fixtures such as mirrors and wash basins have been placed at suitable heights. Braille signage has also been included to help visually impaired passengers navigate inside coaches. 

Features in Newer Train Models 

Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains come with updated accessibility elements. The 1st and last coaches include wheelchair spaces, wider toilets for easier use and modular ramps for boarding and getting off the train.  

Across reserved coaches, entry and exit points have been marked to improve movement inside the train. 

Read More: NCRTC Clears DPR for ₹15,000 Crore Namo Bharat Link Across Gurugram-Faridabad-Noida! 

Conclusion 

With revised berth rules, allotted quotas and redesigned coaches, the Railways has expanded basic support measures for older passengers, pregnant travellers, visually impaired riders and persons with disabilities. 

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