Indian Railways has a special system to ensure that elderly passengers, pregnant women, and people with disabilities get lower berths for a comfortable journey. The railway reserves a specific number of seats in various classes to help these passengers avoid the struggle of climbing to upper berths. These rules are managed through the IRCTC booking system and on-board staff.
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How many lower berths are reserved in each coach?
The number of reserved lower berths depends on the coach type. While these numbers can vary slightly based on the train composition, the general quota is as follows:
| Coach Class | Reserved Lower Berths |
|---|---|
| Sleeper Class | 6-7 seats |
| AC Three Tier (3AC) | 4-5 seats |
| AC Two Tier (2AC) | 3-4 seats |
Who is eligible for automatic lower berth allocation?
The railway system now automatically tries to assign lower berths to specific categories even if they forget to select the option during booking. This facility is available for men aged 60 years and above, women aged 45 years and above, and pregnant women. If a lower berth is not available at the time of booking, the TTE can prioritize these passengers for any vacant lower berths during the trip.
What are the rules for using berths during the day?
In reserved coaches, the official sleeping time is from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, passengers using middle and upper berths should fold them so that lower berth passengers can sit comfortably. However, elderly, sick, or pregnant women may be allowed to rest on the lower berth during the day with the cooperation of other passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get a lower berth if I didn’t select it during booking?
Yes, if you are a senior citizen (Men 60+, Women 45+) or pregnant, the system automatically tries to allot a lower berth. You can also request the TTE for any vacant lower berths during the journey.
What is the new quota for differently-abled passengers?
Differently-abled passengers have a separate quota of 4 berths in Sleeper and 3AC classes, including 2 lower and 2 middle berths, along with dedicated accessible coaches.