The Indian Railways has introduced several new rules and facilities to make train travel more comfortable for passengers.
Special attention has been given to senior citizens, women over 45, pregnant women, visually impaired passengers, and people with disabilities.
These changes are designed to improve convenience and accessibility across all mail and express trains, including premium trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi.
Easier Berths for Senior Citizens, Women, and Pregnant Passengers
Now, if you are a senior citizen, a woman over 45, or a pregnant woman, you may be automatically assigned a lower berth, even if you did not select it while booking.
Sleeper Class: 6–7 lower berths reserved
3AC: 4–5 lower berths reserved
2AC: 3–4 lower berths reserved
This ensures that passengers with difficulty climbing are accommodated comfortably.
Special Facilities for Disabled Passengers
The Railways has introduced several initiatives to help passengers with disabilities:
Reserved Quotas: A certain number of seats are reserved for disabled passengers and their attendants in all classes:
Sleeper Class: 4 berths (2 lower, 2 middle)
3AC/3E: 4 berths (2 lower, 2 middle)
2S and AC Chair Car: 4 seats
Dedicated Coaches: Many mail and express trains now have coaches specially designed for disabled passengers.
Features include:
Wide doors for wheelchairs
Spacious berths and toilets
Grab rails and wheelchair parking spaces
Mirrors and washbasins at the right height
Braille Signboards: Visually impaired passengers will find Braille signboards in trains to easily locate berths, restrooms, and other facilities.
Advanced Accessibility in Vande Bharat & Amrit Bharat Trains:
Wheelchair accessibility in first and last coaches
Special ramps for easy boarding and alighting
Designated restrooms for disabled passengers
Clear markings on entry and exit doors
These changes reflect the Railways’ effort to make train travel safe, convenient, and accessible for everyone, ensuring that no passenger faces difficulty during their journey.
