There is news of relief for railway passengers. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has said that senior citizens and women of 45 years of age or above will automatically be given lower berth while getting a seat at the time of ticket booking in the train, even if they have not chosen this option while booking the ticket. However, this facility will be applicable subject to availability of seats. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, the Railway Minister said that Railways is already making separate arrangements for senior citizens and disabled people so that their journey can be more safe and comfortable.
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How many seats are reserved?
According to the Railway Ministry, many lower berths are reserved in different coaches. In this, six-seven lower berths are reserved in sleeper. Whereas in AC third class, four to five lower berths are reserved and in second class, three to four lower berths are reserved. These seats will be given priority to these passengers. This includes senior citizens, women aged 45+, pregnant women.
Special arrangements for disabled passengers
The Railway Minister said that a separate quota has been kept for the disabled. Under this, four seats in Sleeper and Third AC/3 (which includes two lower berths), Two-S and four seats in Chair Car are reserved. The attendant accompanying these passengers also gets a seat.
Vacant seats will be given to them first
If a seat is found vacant while traveling in a train, it will be given first to senior citizens, disabled persons and pregnant women, especially if they have upper or middle seats.
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New facilities in trains
The Railway Minister said that modern facilities have been added in the new coaches keeping in mind the needs of the passengers. It also has wheelchair space, wide doors and lower berths, large and convenient toilets, basins and mirrors at appropriate height, internal support rails and Braille signage for visually impaired passengers.
Special arrangements in Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat
The first and last coaches of these two trains include wheelchair provision, disabled friendly toilets and modular ramps for boarding and de-boarding.
