By The Sampadak Express
In a significant move to ensure better comfort for vulnerable passengers, Indian Railways has earmarked a specific quota of lower berths for senior citizens, women aged 45 years and above, and pregnant women in various classes of travel. The announcement was made by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday in a written reply to Samajwadi Party lawmaker Utkarsh Verma.
Quota for Lower Berths in Different Classes
The minister outlined the following provisions for the allotment of lower berths:
Sleeper Class: A combined quota of six to seven lower berths per coach.
3AC (3-Tier AC): A quota of four to five lower berths per coach.
2AC (2-Tier AC): A quota of three to four lower berths per coach.
These allocations will be made available for senior citizens, female passengers aged above 45, and pregnant women, subject to berth availability. This initiative is aimed at ensuring these groups of passengers have easier access to lower berths for comfort and safety during their journeys.
Automatic Allotment for Senior Citizens and Women Aged 45 and Above
In addition to the reserved quotas, the Railways Minister highlighted that lower berths will be automatically allotted to senior citizens and female passengers aged 45 years and above, even if they have not made a specific request for one, provided there is availability on the train. This move is expected to further ease the travel experience for these passengers.
Subsidies and Concessions for Rail Passengers
Minister Vaishnaw also shed light on the subsidies extended by Indian Railways to passengers. For the financial year 2022-23, the Railways provided a subsidy of ₹56,993 crore on passenger tickets, which amounts to an average concession of 46% for every person traveling. This reflects the Railways’ ongoing commitment to making travel more affordable and accessible.
In addition to these general subsidies, further concessions are being provided to individuals with disabilities, patients from 11 specific categories, and students from eight recognized categories.
Special Reservation in Mail/Express Trains
The Indian Railways has also earmarked a special reservation quota in various types of trains, including premium services like the Rajdhani and Shatabdi:
Sleeper Class: Four berths, including two lower berths.
3AC/3E (Air-Conditioned 3-Tier): Four berths, including two lower berths.
2S or Air-Conditioned Chair Car (CC): Four reserved seats.
This reservation quota is applicable across all Mail and Express trains, regardless of whether the passenger falls under the concession categories.
Priority for Vacant Lower Berths
In cases where lower berths are vacant during the journey, priority will be given to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women who might have initially been assigned upper or middle berths. This provision ensures that those in need can be accommodated with greater comfort during their travel.
The Indian Railways’ new initiatives are aimed at enhancing passenger comfort, especially for senior citizens, women, and pregnant travelers, by providing them easier access to lower berths. The automatic allotment system, along with reserved quotas in different classes and priority for vacant lower berths, ensures a more inclusive and considerate travel experience for these groups.
