Traveling by train is more than just moving from one place to another—it’s an experience that connects people, cultures, & memories. But for many, especially senior citizens, women travelers, and persons with disabilities, the journey often comes with challenges.
Indian Railways has taken a progressive step by introducing inclusive travel measures that ensure safety, comfort, and dignity for all passengers. This initiative isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about thoughtfulness, accessibility, and creating an environment where every traveler feels valued.
Reserved Berths for Persons with Disabilities
One of the most significant updates is reserved berths for persons with disabilities in popular train categories like Mail/Express, Rajdhani, and Shatabdi-type trains.
Earlier, securing a suitable seat often meant going through multiple requests or hoping for last-minute adjustments. Now, Indian Railways automatically blocks these berths during ticket booking, ensuring that passengers with disabilities have a confirmed, comfortable place to sit or lie down.
This small but impactful change eliminates unnecessary stress and allows travelers to focus on their journey rather than logistical hurdles.
Lower Berth Preference for Senior Citizens 👴👵 and Women Aged 45 👩🦳
Climbing to the middle or upper berth can be uncomfortable—or even dangerous—for senior citizens & women above 45 years.
To address this, Indian Railways has introduced an automatic lower berth preference system. This means that if you fall under these categories and indicate your preference while booking, the system will prioritize assigning you a lower berth (subject to availability).
It’s a simple tweak to the booking algorithm, but one that can drastically improve comfort and safety during the journey.
Automatic Application – No Extra Steps Needed
Perhaps the best part of this new system is that passengers don’t have to make any special effort.
- ✅ No forms.
- ✅ No separate booking counters.
- ✅ No complicated processes.
If you are eligible, the preference is applied automatically during the online or offline ticket booking process. This ensures accessibility benefits reach everyone who needs them, without them even having to ask.
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Why This Matters – Accessibility Beyond Infrastructure
While physical infrastructure—like ramps, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair assistance—is vital, true inclusivity also lies in operational planning.
By integrating these preferences directly into the ticketing system, Indian Railways has reduced dependency on last-minute adjustments or manual interventions by staff.
This proactive approach reflects a growing understanding that accessibility isn’t just a service—it’s a fundamental right.
Impact on Passenger Comfort and Safety
These new measures go beyond convenience—they directly influence passenger safety.
For instance:
- Lower berths reduce the risk of falls or injuries for elderly passengers.
- Reserved berths for persons with disabilities mean they are not forced into unsuitable seating arrangements.
- Automatic allocation prevents confusion & last-minute changes that can cause stress during boarding.
When passengers feel secure, their overall travel experience improves—and that’s exactly what Indian Railways is aiming for."
The Bigger Picture – Indian Railways’ Push for Inclusive Travel
This isn’t the first time Indian Railways has implemented traveler-friendly policies. In recent years, they have:
- Introduced concessional fares for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers.
- Installed Braille signage in coaches.
- Improved wheelchair availability at major stations.
- Launched mobile apps for easier booking & service requests.
The new inclusive berth allocation is another milestone in a larger mission to make rail travel equitable for all.
Feedback from Passengers
Early reactions from passengers have been overwhelmingly positive. Many senior citizens have shared how much easier it has become to travel long distances without worrying about climbing to higher berths. Women traveling alone or with children also feel more secure knowing they are seated in lower berths closer to the aisle, where movement is easier. For passengers with disabilities, this update removes the stress of negotiating seat changes with co-passengers or railway staff.
How to Benefit from This Facility
If you belong to any of the eligible categories:
- Book tickets through IRCTC or at the station as you normally would.
- Ensure your profile reflects the correct age and gender (for senior citizen and women preferences).
- Select the “Lower Berth” preference during booking if applicable.
- For persons with disabilities, carry valid ID proof during travel.
The system will do the rest automatically.
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Looking Ahead – Can This Go Further?
While this step is commendable, there’s still room for improvement:
- Extending the automatic berth allocation to more train categories.
- Increasing the number of reserved berths in high-demand trains.
- Ensuring consistent on-ground assistance for boarding & deboarding.
With continuous upgrades, Indian Railways can make inclusivity a standard, not a feature."
A Step Towards a More Inclusive India
Indian Railways’ move to reserve berths for persons with disabilities and give lower berth preference to senior citizens & women over 45 is more than a policy update—it’s a statement. It says that everyone’s journey matters, that travel should be safe, comfortable, and dignified for all.
If executed consistently, this could serve as a model for other public transport systems in India and beyond.
