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The biggest challenge for pregnant women during long distance travel in trains is to get on and off the top or middle berth. To make the journey safe, smooth and comfortable, Indian Railways has set special rules and special quota for lower berths for pregnant women, women above 45 years of age and senior citizens. Many times, due to lack of information, people book tickets in general quota and face problems in getting middle or upper berth. If you are also booking a ticket for a pregnant woman or want to get a lower berth during the journey, then it is very important to understand the railway rules and the entire process.
How many lower berths are reserved per coach?
As per Railway Board rules, a combined ‘Lower Berth/Female Quota’ is reserved for senior citizens, single female passengers above 45 years of age and pregnant women in different class coaches of every mail and express train:
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Sleeper Class: Each coach has approx. 6 to 7 lower berths.
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Third AC (3AC / 3 Economy): in each coach 4 to 5 lower berths.
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Second AC (2AC): in each coach 3 to 4 lower berths.
This quota is specially reserved for needy passengers, so that they do not have to face the inconvenience of climbing stairs during the journey.
Process to book lower berth from PRS counter
If you are booking tickets from the reservation center (PRS Counter) of the railway station, then the process of getting a lower berth for pregnant women is considered to be the easiest and most effective:
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1. Fill out the reservation form: Enter the name, age and journey details of the female passenger in the general reservation form of Railways.
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2. Attach Medical Certificate: To avail this quota, it is mandatory to submit a valid pregnancy certificate issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner along with the form.
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3. Lower Berth Priority: The counter clerk verifies the medical documents in the system and directly allots the lower berth under the available quota.
Method of online ticket booking through IRCTC portal and mobile app
While booking tickets online through IRCTC, it is important to choose the right technical options to ensure lower berth:
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Automatic Allotment System: IRCTC’s Passenger Reservation System (PRS) software is designed in such a way that if the lower berth option is opted for a person aged 45+ or a female traveling alone, the system allots the lower berth first based on availability.
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‘Book only if at least one lower berth is allotted’: While booking, go to the ‘Reservation Choice’ section and tick this option. The advantage of this is that if the lower berth in the train is not vacant, the ticket will not be booked and you will not be forced to get an upper or middle berth.
If you get upper or middle berth during the journey, how to get the seat changed from TTE?
If for some reason a lower berth is not available at the time of booking the ticket and a middle or upper berth has been allotted on the ticket, then the right to change the seat is available during the journey as per railway rules:
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Official Duties of TTE: Under Railway Board rules, there are clear instructions to the ticket checking staff (TTE) running the train that if any lower berth becomes vacant after the chart of the train is prepared or during the journey (e.g. due to non-arrival of a passenger or cancellation), then that seat will be allotted to a pregnant woman, disabled person or senior citizen first on priority basis.
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How to Contact: As soon as you board the train, inform the TTE of your coach about the condition of the lady passenger and request for re-allotment to an available vacant lower berth by showing the doctor’s certificate.
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Rail Madad (RailMadad 139): If TTE does not cooperate or there is an emergency, the passenger should immediately call the helpline number. 139 You can call or register a request for assistance with your PNR number on the ‘RailMadad’ app. Instructions are immediately sent from the control room to on-board staff.
Important tips for travelers
While traveling with pregnant women, always carry medical prescription issued by the doctor, ID proof and emergency medicines. Try to book tickets a few days before the journey so that quota seats are available. With correct knowledge of these rules of Railways, the journey can be made completely safe and stress-free.