New Delhi, March 19: Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently addressed a question in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing the Indian Railways' commitment to ensuring better accommodation for senior citizens, women, and specially-abled passengers.
In a press statement, Vaishnaw explained that senior citizens, female passengers aged 45 and above, and pregnant women are automatically allotted lower berths, subject to availability, even if no preference is specified during the booking process.
The minister outlined that a dedicated quota of six to seven lower berths per coach in Sleeper Class, four to five lower berths per coach in 3AC, and three to four lower berths per coach in 2AC are specifically reserved for senior citizens. This allocation is adjusted depending on the number of coaches in the train to maximize convenience.
Vaishnaw further stated that a reservation quota for Persons with Disabilities is available on all mail/express trains, including Rajdhani and Shatabdi services, whether or not concession facilities are used. The reservation includes four berths in Sleeper Class (two of which are lower berths), four berths in 3AC/3E (with two lower berths), and four seats in Reserved Second Sitting (2S) or Air-Conditioned Chair Car (CC).
In cases where lower berths are vacant during the journey, priority is given to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women who may have been assigned middle or upper berths initially.
