In a significant move aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and accessibility, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a key policy directive for the Indian Railways. The minister has emphasized the provision of lower berths to senior citizens traveling on the vast railway network.
Focus on Accessibility and Comfort
This announcement, made on 05 December 2025, underscores the government's commitment to making train travel more convenient for the elderly. The lower berth is generally preferred by senior passengers as it is easier to access and reduces the risk of falls or discomfort associated with climbing to upper berths.
Beyond the focus on senior citizens, Minister Vaishnaw also detailed the existing and reinforced provisions for another crucial group of passengers. He explicitly talked about the reservation quota for persons with disabilities (PwD) and their attendants.
Quotas Extended to Premium Trains
A critical detail of this policy is its comprehensive coverage. The reservation quota for persons with disabilities and their necessary attendants is not limited to ordinary mail or express trains. The minister confirmed that this provision is actively implemented across all mail and express trains, including premium services like Rajdhani and Shatabdi type trains.
This ensures that passengers with disabilities have confirmed access to travel on India's fastest and most popular train services, promoting inclusivity at all levels of rail service.
Implementation and Impact
While the announcement reaffirms existing guidelines, it serves as a strong directive to the railway administration to ensure strict compliance. The move is expected to have a direct impact on the booking experience for millions of senior citizens and differently-abled passengers across India.
The key takeaways from the minister's statement are clear:
- Priority for Senior Citizens: Systematic allocation of lower berths to elderly passengers.
- Inclusive Quotas: Guaranteed reservation quotas for persons with disabilities and their attendants.
- Wide Coverage: Application of these rules to all classes of mail, express, Rajdhani, and Shatabdi trains.
This policy refresh by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw aligns with broader efforts to build a more passenger-friendly and accessible Indian Railways. It addresses practical travel hurdles faced by vulnerable groups, ensuring their journeys are safer and more comfortable.
