The Indian Railways has always been the preferred mode of transportation for millions of people in India. It is affordable, accessible, and reliable. However, booking a seat on a train has always been a tough task, with people often booking their tickets months in advance to secure their preferred seat. Recently, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has issued new seat booking rules that have stirred quite a controversy.
The new rules state that the lower berth of the train will be reserved for disabled passengers. This is a significant step towards making train travel more convenient for disabled passengers. The Indian Railways has always been proactive in ensuring that disabled passengers have a comfortable journey. Over the years, the Railways has introduced features like wheelchair ramps, Braille signage, and special coaches for passengers with disabilities. The reservation of the lower berth is yet another initiative in this direction.
The new rules also specify the seat distribution for disabled passengers. In sleeper class, four seats (two lower, two middle) are reserved for disabled passengers. In 3AC and 3AC economy, two seats are reserved for disabled passengers. In Garib Rath trains, two lower berths and two upper berths are reserved for disabled passengers. These passengers will have to pay full fare for these seats.
Apart from disabled passengers, the Indian Railways also reserves lower berths for senior citizens and pregnant women. Six to seven lower berths in sleeper class, four to five lower berths in 3AC, and three to four lower berths in 2AC are reserved for passengers who are 45 years or older and pregnant women. These passengers are allotted these seats without selecting any option during booking.
However, there have been mixed reactions to the new rules. While many people appreciate and support the move to reserve seats for disabled passengers, others feel that it will make it even more difficult for non-disabled passengers to get their preferred seats. Many people book their tickets months in advance to secure lower berths, and the reservation of these seats for disabled passengers can lead to a shortage of seats in the future.
In conclusion, the new seat booking rules issued by IRCTC are a step towards making train travel more convenient for disabled passengers. The Indian Railways has always been proactive in ensuring that all passengers, including disabled, senior citizens, and pregnant women, have a comfortable and safe journey. While there may be some initial challenges in implementing the new rules, ultimately, it will create a more inclusive and accessible railway system in India.