In a significant move aimed at enhancing passenger comfort, Indian Railways has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its lower berth allocation system. The new regulations promise to make train travel substantially more accessible and convenient for senior citizens, pregnant women, and differently-abled passengers.
Who Benefits from the New Rules?
The revised framework introduces automated preference systems for several passenger categories:
- Senior Citizens: Female passengers aged 45 and above, and male passengers aged 60 and above now receive automatic priority for lower berth allocation during ticket booking.
- Pregnant Women: Expectant mothers are automatically eligible for lower berth seats regardless of their pregnancy stage.
- Differently-abled Passengers: Persons with disabilities continue to receive prioritized lower berth access as part of the railway's accessibility initiatives.
How the New Allocation System Works
The upgraded system functions through intelligent automation that identifies eligible passengers during the booking process. When passengers falling under these special categories book tickets, the reservation system automatically assigns them lower berths when available, eliminating the need for manual requests or special applications.
"This progressive step demonstrates Indian Railways' commitment to passenger-centric services," noted a railway official. "By automating the process, we're ensuring that those who genuinely need lower berths receive them without additional hassle."
What This Means for Regular Passengers
While the new rules prioritize specific passenger groups, the railway administration assures that general passengers will still have access to lower berths. The system maintains a balanced approach, ensuring fair distribution while giving precedence to those with mobility challenges or special needs.
The implementation of these rules across all booking platforms—including IRCTC website, mobile app, and reservation counters—ensures uniform application of the new guidelines throughout the railway network.
Looking Forward: A More Inclusive Travel Experience
This policy revision represents part of Indian Railways' broader initiative to transform India's rail travel into a more comfortable and inclusive experience. By addressing the specific needs of vulnerable passenger groups, the national transporter continues to evolve its services to meet changing passenger expectations and requirements.
Regular travelers have welcomed the changes, noting that automated allocation reduces booking anxiety and ensures that those who need assistance the most receive it seamlessly during their journey planning phase.
