Indian Railways has expanded its inclusive policies by earmarking reserved lower berths across classes for senior citizens, women above 45 years of age, pregnant women, and passengers with disabilities.
This policy, now being actively implemented on trains nationwide, underscores the national transporter’s commitment to building a more equitable travel ecosystem. The enhanced provision includes a dedicated quota of lower berths in key classes—Sleeper, AC 3 Tier (3AC), AC 2 Tier (2AC), and Reserved Second Sitting (2S) or Chair Car (CC)—with adjustments made depending on coach composition. Typically, each Sleeper coach offers six to seven lower berths under this reservation, while 3AC coaches offer four to five and 2AC has three to four. This quota now spans across all Express trains, including premium services such as Rajdhani and Shatabdi.
More than just a policy shift, this move is a human-centric reform acknowledging the physical challenges faced by elderly and differently-abled passengers during travel. It also supports women’s safety and comfort—especially for those travelling alone or with children. While these passengers have long had access to fare concessions, this policy goes further by prioritising physical ease and accessibility, whether or not a concession has been claimed during booking. The allocation of these berths is automated during the reservation process, ensuring minimal hassle at the time of booking. However, in situations where availability becomes constrained, the Indian Railways has directed that any vacant lower berth, even after charting, should be prioritised for the aforementioned categories.
Alongside onboard improvements, infrastructural enhancements at stations are being rolled out in parallel. Major stations are now better equipped with ramp access, designated counters for assistance, and wheelchair support, allowing smoother boarding and deboarding for those needing it most. These physical upgrades are part of Indian Railways’ wider strategy to develop barrier-free infrastructure as it continues to push for a future of transport that is sustainable, inclusive, and dignified. This initiative is a key component of the Railways’ broader goal to build equitable transport networks that uphold universal design principles. As India pursues its low-carbon mobility vision, integrating accessibility features into public transport systems not only fosters social inclusion but also ensures every citizen, regardless of age, gender, or ability, can participate equally in mobility and economic opportunity.
The Railways’ evolving passenger policy is increasingly aligning with modern urban values—mobility that is affordable, dignified, and just. While challenges in implementation may arise, especially on high-demand routes, the intent marks a progressive shift in India’s transport narrative. And as trains remain the country’s most widely used form of long-distance transport, such reforms directly impact millions of Indians every day, setting a precedent for other public mobility systems to follow.
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