The excitement for India's inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper train service on the scenic Howrah-Guwahati route is reaching a fever pitch. As the Indian Railways prepares to open ticket bookings, securing a coveted lower berth is expected to be a top priority for many passengers. Understanding the official reservation rules can significantly improve your chances of getting the berth you prefer.
Who Gets Priority for Lower Berths?
The computerized reservation system of the Indian Railways has built-in provisions to assist certain passengers. According to the established policy, male passengers aged 60 years and above and female passengers aged 45 years and above will be automatically allotted a lower berth when booking tickets for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.
This automatic allocation, however, is strictly subject to the real-time availability of lower berths at the moment of booking. Furthermore, the system extends this courtesy to passengers travelling with a young child who does not require a separate berth. In such cases, if a lower berth is free, it will be assigned to the accompanying adult.
Strategic Booking for Preferred Berths
For other passengers who strongly prefer a lower berth, the Indian Railways' online booking portal offers a crucial option. During the ticket reservation process, there is a specific provision that allows you to opt for 'booking only if a lower berth is available'.
When you select this preference, the system will proceed with the booking and payment only if a lower berth can be allocated. This feature is particularly useful for those who are flexible with their travel dates or times and do not wish to risk being assigned an upper or middle berth.
Understanding the Sleeper Coach Dynamics
It is important for travellers to note the operational schedule of the sleeper accommodations on this new train. In the reserved coaches, sleeping accommodation will be available from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. During the remaining daylight hours, the same berths will function as seating accommodation for passengers.
This dual-purpose design is especially significant for the Howrah-Guwahati route, which passes through picturesque hilly terrain. Many passengers would naturally want to enjoy the views from a comfortable seated position during the day, making the lower berth even more desirable for its ease of access and better vantage point.
With the official launch imminent, being aware of these rules and using the available booking options strategically is the best way to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey on this landmark semi-high-speed sleeper train.
