IRCTC Lower Berth Rules: Keeping in mind the convenience of senior citizens, Railways has started a new facility, which will now make it easier for senior citizens above 60 years of age and women above 45 years of age and pregnant passengers to get lower berths. Whereas earlier they had to apply themselves for a lower berth, now this berth will be assured automatically. This change will provide relief to elderly and other needy passengers from the problems they face in climbing up and down during the journey.
They will get lower berth seats
Railways has provided facility to three categories of passengers for lower berth priority. First of all, senior citizens who find it very difficult to climb into the upper seat. Secondly, women above 45 years of age and third, pregnant women for whom it is challenging to reach the middle or upper berth. The system will automatically try to give lower berth to these three during ticket booking. If lower berth is not available at the time of booking, the vacant lower seats available in the train will be allotted to these priority passengers by TTE.
Lower berths are reserved in different coaches.
According to the Railways, some lower berth seats are specially reserved for senior citizens, women above 45 years of age and pregnant women. A certain number of seats are already blocked for these categories in each coach, of which approximately 6-7 seats are reserved in sleeper coach, 4-5 seats in AC third and 3-4 seats in AC second. The booking system considers the needs of these priority passengers first and gives them these reserved seats first, only after which the seats are given to other passengers.
Arrangements for disabled passengers and accompanying persons
Railways has established a separate quota system for disabled passengers, which has now been clarified. A total of 4 seats in Sleeper and Third AC coach, including two lower berths, have been specially earmarked for disabled passengers. Similarly, in 2-S and chair cars also, 4 seats are reserved for them. People traveling with these passengers are also given adjacent seats so that the journey is convenient and they do not face any kind of problem.
In case the lower berth in the train is vacant, it is given first to senior citizens, disabled passengers and pregnant women on priority basis.
