Indian Railways Lower Berth Rule Change: Pregnant Women To Get Online Booking Facility

Indian Railways has allowed pregnant women passengers to avail of the lower-berth booking facility through both online and offline modes, offering relief to expectant mothers travelling by train. The Railway Board has directed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to make the necessary changes to online ticket booking portals and apps.

Earlier, pregnant women could access the lower-berth facility only through offline bookings at railway reservation counters, where they were required to submit a pregnancy certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner. With the latest decision, the facility will be extended to online bookings as well, bringing pregnant women on par with senior citizens and female passengers aged 45 years and above.

Indian Railways Lower Berth Booking for Pregnant Women

The Railway Board reviewed the matter after the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Railways on September 16 in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking an online lower-berth booking facility for pregnant women. IRCTC Launches Revamped Website: Everything You Need To Know About the July 15 Upgrade.

In an order dated September 28, the Railway Board said pregnant women could avail of accommodation under the combined lower-berth quota through online and offline booking modes. The board also dispensed with the requirement to furnish proof of pregnancy at reservation counters while booking tickets under this quota.

However, the facility may not become available immediately on online platforms, as CRIS and IRCTC will need time to implement the required technical changes. IRCTC Fined INR 10 Lakh Over Poor Food Quality on Vande Bharat Express After Passenger Complaint.

Lower Berth Quota for Senior Citizens and Women

The combined lower-berth quota is earmarked for senior citizens, female passengers aged 45 years and above and pregnant women, subject to availability.

According to the Railways, the following number of lower berths is earmarked per coach for eligible passengers:

• Sleeper Class: 6-7 lower berths per coach
• AC 3 Tier: 4-5 lower berths per coach
• AC 2 Tier: 3-4 lower berths per coach

The Railways said lower berths are automatically allotted to senior citizens and female passengers aged over 45 years, subject to availability, even if they do not select a berth preference while booking tickets.

Railway Rules on Proof of Eligibility

Although the requirement to submit proof of pregnancy at the time of booking has been dispensed with, the Railway Board has warned that passengers may face action if they fail to produce the required documents when asked.

According to the board's order, action under Section 138 of the Railways Act, 1989, may be taken if passengers booking under the lower-berth quota fail to produce proof of age, where applicable, or a certificate from a registered medical practitioner in the case of pregnant women.

Railway Reservation Quota for Persons With Disabilities

The Railways also provides a separate reservation quota for persons with disabilities in all mail and express trains, including Rajdhani and Shatabdi services.

Under this provision, four berths in Sleeper Class, including two lower berths, are earmarked for eligible passengers. A similar provision covers four berths in AC 3 Tier and AC 3 Economy (3E), including two lower berths. In addition, four seats are earmarked in reserved Second Sitting (2S) or air-conditioned Chair Car (CC) coaches.

The latest decision to extend lower-berth booking to pregnant women through online platforms is expected to make train travel more convenient for expectant mothers once the necessary technical changes are implemented.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 09, 2026 08:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).