Indian Railways has announced a significant update to its reservation system, prioritizing the comfort and safety of women travelers and senior citizens. Effective immediately, lower berths in Sleeper and 3AC coaches will be reserved exclusively for these groups, marking a major step toward inclusive and accessible travel.
Key Features of the New Reservation Policy
- Dedicated Lower Berth Quota
- Women travelers aged 45+ and senior citizens (60+) will now have priority access to lower berths in Sleeper (SL) and 3AC coaches.
- Each coach will reserve six lower berths for these passengers, ensuring easier boarding and reduced physical strain during journeys.
- Expanded Quota for Senior Citizens
- The existing senior citizen quota has been increased from two to four lower berths per coach in Sleeper classes.
- In 3AC coaches, the quota has doubled from one to two lower berths.
- Gender-Sensitive Allocation
- Female passengers (45+) traveling alone or with companions will receive priority for lower berths, even if their male companions are assigned upper berths.
Eligibility Criteria Simplified
- Senior Citizens: Passengers aged 60 years or above at the time of booking.
- Women Travelers: Female passengers aged 45 years or above.
- The system automatically allocates berths based on age and gender during ticket booking.
Why This Policy Matters
Indian Railways’ decision addresses long-standing concerns about accessibility for vulnerable groups. Lower berths reduce risks of falls, provide easier access to amenities, and enhance privacy for women travelers. This aligns with global efforts to create age-friendly and gender-sensitive public transport systems.
A senior railway official stated, “This policy reflects our commitment to passenger welfare. By prioritizing comfort for seniors and women, we aim to make train travel safer and more inclusive.”
Impact on Ticket Bookings
- Confirmed Tickets: Eligible passengers will see lower berths auto-assigned when booking through IRCTC or counters.
- Tatkal Bookings: The quota applies to last-minute Tatkal tickets, ensuring fairness even during peak travel seasons.
- Mixed Groups: Families or groups with eligible members will receive prioritized lower berth allocations.
How to Avail the Benefit
- Enter accurate age/gender details during ticket booking.
- The system automatically assigns berths based on eligibility.
- Contact railway authorities if the quota isn’t applied correctly.
Looking Ahead
This policy is part of Indian Railways’ broader modernization strategy, which includes upgraded coaches, better sanitation, and digital ticketing. Future initiatives may expand reserved seating in other coach categories or introduce additional accessibility features.
Final Thoughts
Indian Railways’ new reservation policy sets a precedent for empathetic public transport. By prioritizing the needs of women and seniors, the organization reaffirms its role as a lifeline for millions. Passengers are encouraged to check the official IRCTC website for real-time updates on bookings and policies.
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References
- Indian Railways lower berth reservation policy: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/indian-railways-big-update-lower-berths-to-be-reserved-for-women-senior-citizens-more-details/articleshow/119247850.cms
- IRCTC official guidelines: https://www.irctc.co.in
5 Takeaways
- 6 lower berths per coach reserved for women (45+) and seniors (60+).
- Senior citizen quotas doubled in Sleeper & 3AC coaches.
- Automatic berth allocation during ticket booking.
- Policy applies to Tatkal and group bookings.
- Aims to improve accessibility, safety, and comfort for vulnerable travelers.