The biggest challenge for pregnant women during long distance travel in trains is to get on and off the top or middle berth. To make the journey safe, smooth and comfortable, Indian Railways has set special rules and special quota for lower berths for pregnant women, women above 45 years of age and senior citizens. Many times, due to lack of information, people book tickets in general quota and face problems in getting middle or upper berth. If you are also booking a ticket for a pregnant woman or want to get a lower berth during the journey, then it is very important to understand the railway rules and the entire process. How many lower berths are reserved per coach? As per Railway Board rules, a combined 'Lower Berth/Female Quota' is reserved for senior citizens, single female passengers above 45 years of age and pregnant women in different class coaches of every mail and express train: Sleeper Class: About 6 to 7 lower berths in each coach. Third AC (3AC / 3 Economy): 4 to 5 lower berths in each coach. Second AC (2AC): 3 to 4 lower berths in each coach. This quota is specially reserved for needy passengers, so that they do not have to face the inconvenience of climbing stairs during the journey. Process to book lower berth from PRS counter: If you are booking tickets from the reservation center of the railway station (PRS Counter), then the process to get a lower berth for pregnant women is considered to be the easiest and most effective: 1. Fill the reservation form: Enter the name, age and travel details of the female passenger in the normal reservation form of the Railways. 2. Attach Medical Certificate: To avail this quota, it is mandatory to submit a valid pregnancy certificate issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner along with the form. 3. Lower Berth Priority: The counter clerk directly allots the lower berth under the available quota after verifying the medical documents in the system. Method of online ticket booking through IRCTC portal and mobile app Even while booking tickets online through IRCTC, it is important to choose the right technical options to ensure lower berth: Automatic Allotment System: IRCTC's Passenger Reservation System (PRS) software is designed in such a way that if the lower berth option is chosen for a woman aged 45+ or traveling alone, the system allots the lower berth first based on availability. 'Book only if at least one lower berth is allotted': Tick this option in the 'Reservation Choice' section while booking. The advantage of this is that if the lower berth in the train is not vacant, the ticket will not be booked and you will not be forced to get an upper or middle berth. If you get upper or middle berth during the journey, how to get the seat changed from TTE? If for any reason a lower berth is not available at the time of booking the ticket and a middle or upper berth has been allotted on the ticket, there is a right to change the seat during the journey as per Railway Rules: Official Duties of TTE: Under Railway Board rules, there are clear instructions to the Ticket Checking Staff (TTE) operating in trains that if any lower berth becomes vacant after charting of the train or during the journey (e.g. due to non-arrival of any passenger or Due to cancellation), then that seat will be allotted first to a pregnant woman, disabled person or senior citizen on priority basis. How to approach: As soon as you board the train, inform the TTE of your coach about the condition of the female passenger and request for re-allotment to an available vacant lower berth by showing the doctor's note. Rail Madad (RailMadad 139): In case the TTE does not cooperate or there is an emergency, passengers can immediately call the helpline number 139 or register a request for assistance with their PNR number on the 'RailMadad' app. Instructions are immediately sent from the control room to on-board staff. Important Tips for Travelers While traveling with pregnant women, always carry medical prescription issued by the doctor, ID proof and emergency medicines. Try to book tickets a few days before the journey so that quota seats are available. With correct knowledge of these rules of Railways, the journey can be made completely safe and stress-free.
