Indian Railways New Rules For Booking Lower Berths In Trains

Traveling by train is an experience that many people love because it is one of the best ways to enjoy the journey to the fullest.

Apart from providing a smooth and stable ride, people love train travel is the scenic beauty that it offers. Trains can be especially comforting for those who may experience motion sickness while traveling by car or plane. However, train journeys often take you through some of the most beautiful and picturesque landscapes. It provides an opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the world.

However, what I love most about trains is that they have roomy, comfy seats, which makes it simpler to rest and unwind while traveling. However, getting a favorite seat is quite difficult.

Several individuals take trains every day; in this case, they begin purchasing tickets a month in advance in order to secure their preferred seats. Lower berths or side lower berths are the most popular seating options. Nevertheless, people might no longer be able to reserve this seat. It comes as a result of an order Indian Railways issued for the reserving of lower berths.

The order specifies that certain groups of persons will have priority access to the lowest berth of the train. So, here’s what we know about it:

Lower berths are now reserved for elderly and disabled passengers

Indian Railways has introduced a new rule for booking lower seats in the mail and express trains. According to the new rules, booking a lower seat will be given preference to senior travelers, ladies traveling alone, and parents of young children.

Furthermore, those who are Divyangjan or who are handicapped and their companions are entitled to lower seats. The Railway Board has determined that four sleeper class seats in sleeper class—two lower and two middle seats—and two third class air-conditioned coaches—two seats, including one lower and one middle seat—will be reserved for qualified passengers.

Additionally, four separate groups of people with disabilities are eligible for reduced fares on the railways: those who are fully blind, paraplegic, orthopedically challenged, and mentally challenged. These people can travel alone or with an escort.

Lower birth quota in Indian Railway

Although many people are currently availing of the policy, some are unable to do so. Recently, a Twitter user tagged railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Twitter, asking questions about the same problem. He wrote,

@IRCTCofficial what logic do you run for seat allocation, I had booked tickets for 3 senior citizens with preference of lower berth , there are 102 berths available, yet allocated berths are middle, upper and side lower. U need to correct same.@AshwiniVaishnaw

— jitendra S (@jitendrasarda) September 11, 2021

In reply to the tweet, the official account of Railway Seva cleared the air around these confusions. Railway Seva tweeted,

It added,

If there are more than two senior citizens or one senior citizen and other passenger not senior citizen , system will not consider it. 2/2

-IRCTC Official

— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) September 11, 2021

It means that male passengers over the age of 60 and female passengers over the age of 45 are given preference for the lower berth quota in Indian trains.

This makes it possible for qualified travelers to have a guaranteed lower berth while traveling.

However, only two tickets can be reserved at once, regardless of whether the passengers qualify individually or jointly. This quota can only be applied when an elderly person travels alone or when two eligible passengers travel on a single ticket.

When booking tickets through IRCTC, passengers can select the “lower berth” option under the different quota choices. If the lower berth quota is already full, eligible passengers will be given berths under the general quota. However, they need to submit a certificate from a registered medical practitioner at the time of booking. Additionally, such bookings can only be made at PRS counters.

Senior persons and female passengers over the age of 45 are automatically given lower berths under the passenger reservation system (PRS). Below is a list of all the seats allocated to this quota:

• Sleeper Class (SL): 6 lower berths per coach
• Third AC (3A): 3 lower berths per coach
• Second AC (2A): 3 lower berths per coach

Nevertheless, the number of lower berths in the 2AC class is raised to four per coach in the Rajdhani, Duronto, and completely AC express trains.

How general public can opt for lower birth?

It’s important to remember that regular passengers can also choose the lower seat if it’s available. This can improve their chances by purchasing tickets well in advance, especially when there are more open seats.

Additionally, if you prefer a lower seat, you should always reserve a ticket before a trip when there are more open seats. When booking a ticket through the IRCTC, you should also click the check box that reads “Book only of confirm berths are allotted.”

Also read: Indian Railway Shares New Night Rules After 10 PM In Sleeper And AC Coaches