The government and Indian Railways have taken steps to make travel easier for senior citizens, who hold a special place in our society.
Let’s delve into the array of provisions made by the Railways to enhance the travel experience for senior citizens.
Senior Citizen Concession
Previously, Indian Railways provided discounts on train fares for senior citizens. However, this facility was temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Priority Lower Berth Allocation
Senior citizens are given preference for lower berths when booking their tickets. This ensures greater comfort during the journey.
Reserved Seats
Dedicated seats are set aside for senior citizens in special train services, making travel more convenient and accessible.
Wheelchair Assistance
Major railway stations offer wheelchair facilities for senior citizens. This service assists them in moving around the station premises with ease.
Automatic Lower Berth Allotment
The Computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) automatically assigns lower berths to senior citizens and women passengers aged 45 and above, as long as berths are available at the time of booking, even if passengers don’t specifically choose this option.
Reserved Lower Berths
In different classes, there are provisions for lower berths for senior citizens, women passengers aged 45 and above, and pregnant women.
The number of lower berths per coach varies depending on the class of travel.
Reserved Seats in General Coaches
Railways have mandated a minimum of 07 seats for senior citizens in both the first and last general coaches of second-class trains on local suburban sections across all Zonal Railways.
Wheelchair Services
Railways provide complimentary wheelchair services for Divyangjan (differently-abled individuals) and senior citizens.
While Railways offer these wheelchairs free of charge, attendants can also opt for porter services at a nominal fee to assist in transporting individuals who require aid.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Major stations have a dedicated wheelchair available on each platform. On island platforms, there’s one wheelchair for every two platforms.
These thoughtful provisions ensure that senior citizens can travel comfortably and with dignity within the Indian Railways network.
