Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav stated that senior citizens and female passengers over 45 years of age are automatically assigned lower berths based on availability. Improved facilities such as special reservations for disabled passengers, wheelchair access, Braille signs, and disabled-friendly toilets are also available, making travel safer and more comfortable.
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Lower berth seats: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday (December 5) that senior citizens and women passengers above 45 years of age are now automatically provided with lower berths. Even if you don’t select this option when booking, the Railways automatically allocates them based on availability. He also stated that special arrangements have been made for senior citizens and disabled passengers. A quota of 6-7 lower berths per coach in Sleeper class, 4-5 in 3AC, and 3-4 in 2AC are reserved exclusively for senior citizens, women above 45, and pregnant women.
Special Reservations for Disabled Passengers on Mail and Express Trains
The Railway Minister stated that all mail and express trains, including Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express trains, have special reservations for disabled passengers and their companions. According to regulations, four berths each in Sleeper and 3AC/3E classes are reserved exclusively for disabled passengers. These include two lower and two middle berths. Meanwhile, four seats in reserved second seating (2S) and air-conditioned chair car (CC) classes are reserved for this purpose. Furthermore, the Minister explained that if a berth remains vacant during a journey, priority is given to senior citizens, pregnant women, or passengers with disabilities who previously occupied upper or middle berths. This ensures the convenience and safety of all passengers.
Numerous improvements have been made to enhance passenger safety and comfort
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav stated that several improvements have been made to enhance passenger safety and comfort, especially for disabled passengers. These coaches now feature wider doors, wider berths, and larger compartments. Toilets have also been enlarged, with wider doors, wheelchair parking, and grab rails on the side walls for support. Wash basins and mirrors have also been installed at the correct height for ease of use.
Special arrangements have also been made for visually impaired passengers. Braille-enabled signs have been provided in the coaches, enabling them to easily read instructions. Ashwini Vaishnav stated that the modern Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains have been designed keeping the needs of disabled passengers in mind. Wheelchair-accessible seats, disabled-friendly toilets, and additional comfortable seats are available in the first and last coaches of the Vande Bharat trains.
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