New system for allotment of lower berths: Keeping passenger convenience in mind, Indian Railways has taken several steps to make the ticket booking process easier and more transparent. Earlier this year, the Railways launched the ‘RailOne’ app, which serves as a super app.
Through this app, passengers can book not only reserved but also unreserved tickets. It also serves as a one-stop solution for various railway-related passenger services.
New system for allotment of lower berths
Passengers often complain about receiving a seat on the side upper, middle, or upper berth despite selecting the “lower berth preference” option when booking tickets online. Therefore, it is important for passengers to fully understand Indian Railways’ new lower berth reservation rules.
Indian Railways’ computerized reservation system provides special arrangements for allocating lower berths to senior citizens, female passengers over 45 years of age, and pregnant women. However, this facility is subject to seat availability.
TTE also got the right
As per the railway rules, if the lower berth is not available at the time of booking and the upper or middle berth is allotted to a senior citizen or eligible woman, the ticket checking staff (TTE) in the train has the right to allot the lower berth to such passengers, if any, which becomes vacant during the journey.
Special option for booking lower berths
When booking tickets online, passengers also have the option to select “Book only if lower berth is available.” If a passenger selects this option and a lower berth is not available, the ticket will not be booked. This allows passengers to travel according to their seat preferences.
Rules for sitting and sleeping on the lower berth
According to Indian Railways rules, sleeping hours in reserved coaches are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. During this time, passengers are allowed to sleep in their assigned berths. During the day, seating arrangements are made.
Specifically, for passengers with RAC tickets, the arrangement is that the RAC passenger on the side lower berth and the passenger on the side upper berth will share the seat during the daytime. However, from 10 pm to 6 am, the lower berth will be occupied only by the passenger on the lower berth.
Change in Advance Reservation Period (ARP)
The Railways recently reduced the advance reservation period (ARP) for reserved tickets from 120 days to 60 days. This means that passengers can now book tickets up to 60 days before their travel date.
