Travelling by train during pregnancy can be difficult, especially on long journeys where getting an upper or middle berth may cause discomfort.
Indian Railways has provisions for giving lower berths on priority to certain passengers, including pregnant women. However, the online booking system does not currently allow pregnant passengers to directly select or guarantee a lower berth.
Here is what passengers need to know about the existing process.
Lower Berth Priority Is Available For Pregnant Women
Under the railway reservation system, lower berths are allotted on a priority basis to certain eligible passengers.
This includes senior citizens, women above 45 years of age and pregnant women.
The allotment is generally handled through the automatic berth-allocation system, subject to availability.
Why Can’t Pregnant Women Select A Lower Berth Online?
Pregnant women currently cannot directly choose or guarantee a lower berth through the IRCTC website or app.
The issue has also reached the Delhi High Court. During proceedings related to facilities for pregnant passengers, the court questioned why lower-berth priority could not be accessed through online reservations.
The court has sought responses from the Centre and railway authorities regarding the matter.
What Can Pregnant Women Do During Ticket Booking?
If a pregnant passenger does not receive a lower berth through online booking, the reported process allows her to approach a railway reservation counter.
She can request a lower berth and provide a medical certificate where required.
Passengers should check with the railway reservation staff about the applicable procedure and availability at the time of booking.
How Many Lower Berths Are Set Aside?
According to the information reported, a certain number of lower berths are earmarked for eligible passengers under the railway reservation system.
In Sleeper Class, around six to seven lower berths per coach are earmarked for senior citizens, women above 45 and pregnant women.
In 3AC, around four to five lower berths are designated per section, while 2AC has around three to four such berths per coach.
These berths are shared among the eligible categories and are subject to availability.
What If A Lower Berth Is Not Allotted During Booking?
Not receiving a lower berth on the ticket does not necessarily mean that the passenger cannot get one during the journey.
If a lower berth becomes vacant because another passenger cancels their ticket, or if an eligible lower berth remains vacant, the TTE can allot it to eligible passengers on a priority basis.
Pregnant women and senior citizens may therefore approach the TTE after boarding and ask whether a suitable lower berth is available.
Can A TTE Give A Lower Berth To A Pregnant Passenger?
According to the reported railway provisions, the TTE can allot an available lower berth on a priority basis to eligible passengers.
However, the availability of a vacant berth is an important factor. A lower berth cannot simply be guaranteed if all relevant berths are occupied.
Passengers should therefore speak to the TTE after boarding if they require a lower berth.
Why Is This Facility Important?
Pregnancy can make climbing to an upper or middle berth difficult, particularly during longer journeys.
A lower berth can make getting in and out of the sleeping area easier and may provide greater convenience during travel.
The railway provisions are intended to provide priority access to lower berths for certain passenger categories, subject to availability.
Delhi High Court Raises Questions Over Online Booking
The issue has gained additional attention because of proceedings before the Delhi High Court.
The court questioned why pregnant women cannot directly access lower-berth facilities through online reservations when provisions already provide priority for such berths.
The matter is still related to the broader question of how the facility should be made accessible through the booking system.
What Pregnant Passengers Should Remember
Passengers travelling during pregnancy can keep a few practical points in mind:
- Check the berth allotted when booking the ticket.
- If a lower berth is not available online, ask railway reservation staff about the applicable procedure.
- Carry relevant medical documentation if requested by railway authorities.
- After boarding, speak to the TTE if a lower berth is required.
- Ask whether any lower berth has become vacant due to cancellation or non-occupation.
- Remember that lower-berth allocation remains subject to availability.
Conclusion
Indian Railways has provisions for giving lower berths on priority to pregnant women along with certain other eligible passengers.
However, pregnant women currently cannot directly select or guarantee a lower berth through the IRCTC online booking system.
If a lower berth is not allotted during booking, passengers can enquire at a railway reservation counter and, during the journey, approach the TTE if a suitable berth becomes available.
The Delhi High Court’s questions about online access have also brought attention to the gap between the existing lower-berth priority provisions and the online booking process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pregnant women get lower berths on Indian Railways?
Yes. Pregnant women are included among the passenger categories eligible for priority lower-berth allotment, subject to availability.
Can pregnant women select a lower berth directly on IRCTC?
The reported information says pregnant women currently cannot directly select or guarantee a lower berth through the IRCTC website or app.
What should I do if I don’t get a lower berth online?
You can enquire at a railway reservation counter about requesting a lower berth. During the journey, you can also approach the TTE if a lower berth becomes vacant.
Can a TTE allot a vacant lower berth to a pregnant woman?
According to the reported provisions, an available lower berth can be allotted on a priority basis to eligible passengers, including pregnant women.
How many lower berths are reserved for pregnant women?
The quoted figures refer to shared priority allocations for pregnant women, senior citizens and women above 45, rather than a separate quota exclusively for pregnant women. The reported figures are around 6–7 per Sleeper Class coach, 4–5 per 3AC section and 3–4 per 2AC coach.
Is a lower berth guaranteed for every pregnant passenger?
No. Priority does not mean an absolute guarantee. Allocation depends on the applicable rules and berth availability.