Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has informed the Rajya Sabha that lower berths are automatically allotted to senior citizens and eligible women passengers based on availabilityeven if they do not manually select the option during ticket booking. The clarification aims to address frequent concerns raised by elderly passengers over berth allocation in long-distance trains run by Indian Railways.
The automated allocation ensures that age and eligibility are factored into the booking system wherever possible, without requiring special requests from passengers.
Reserved Lower Berth Quota Across Travel Classes
The Railways has earmarked a specific number of lower berths per coach for senior citizens, women aged 45 years and above, and pregnant women. As per the minister’s written reply:
- Sleeper Class: 6 to 7 lower berths per coach
- 3AC Class: 4 to 5 lower berths per coach
- 2AC Class: 3 to 4 lower berths per coach
These allocations are part of a combined quota system and are assigned automatically during ticket generation, subject to availability at the time of booking.
Additionally, if any lower berths fall vacant during the journey, priority reallocation is given to senior citizens, pregnant women and differently-abled passengers who may have initially been assigned middle or upper berths.
Special Reservation for Persons with Disabilities
Indian Railways also continues to maintain mandatory reservation provisions for persons with disabilities and their attendants in all mail and express trains, including premium services such as Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express.
The allocation includes:
- Sleeper & 3AC/3E: 4 berths per coach (2 lower + 2 middle)
- 2S/CC (Chair Car): 4 reserved seats
These provisions ensure better accessibility and travel comfort for Divyangjan passengers and their companions.
Accessibility Upgrades in Modern Trains
The minister highlighted several infrastructure enhancements introduced in newer trains, particularly in Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat servicesto support disabled and elderly passengers. These include:
- Wider coach entrances and berths
- Enlarged, wheelchair-friendly toilets
- Grab rails and wash basins placed at accessible heights
- Dedicated wheelchair parking zones
- Braille-enabled signage for visually impaired passengers
In Vande Bharat trains, the first and last coaches are specifically modified for wheelchair access and disability-friendly sanitation.
Passenger Welfare Takes Priority
The clarification reinforces Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to make long-distance train travel more inclusive, accessible and senior-friendly. With demand for lower berths rising steadily due to India’s ageing passenger population, the automated system and reserved quotas aim to strike a balance between availability and social responsibility.
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