Indian Railways Brings Big Relief for Senior Citizens – Special Lower Berth & Battery Car Facilities Announced

NEW DELHI April 13, 2025: In a welcome move aimed at making rail travel more convenient for elderly passengers, Indian Railways has reinforced and expanded its special facilities for senior citizens. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently shared detailed updates in the Rajya Sabha, outlining new measures taken by the ministry to improve comfort, accessibility, and inclusivity in the country’s vast rail network.

Lower Berth Reservation for Senior Citizens and Women Over 45
A key highlight of the announcement is the priority lower berth allocation. According to Minister Vaishnaw:

Senior citizens and women aged 45 years and above are eligible for lower berth allotments.

This facility is automatically applied during ticket booking, subject to seat availability.

The initiative ensures a safer and more comfortable journey, especially for those who face difficulty accessing upper berths in sleeper and AC coaches.

Facilities Benefiting Millions of Passengers
Between 2020–2025, Indian Railways has provided enhanced services and affordable travel to approximately 2,358 crore passengers, including a large share of elderly travelers and women. These steps are part of the government’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, affordable, and safe rail transportation.

Battery-Operated Vehicles (BOVs) at Major Railway Stations
Indian Railways has also deployed battery-operated vehicles (BOVs) at major railway stations to ease transit for:

Senior citizens

Persons with disabilities

Pregnant women

Medically challenged passengers

These BOVs help commuters navigate large railway platforms and terminals with ease, providing an added layer of accessibility.

Dedicated Ticket Booking Counters
Where infrastructure permits, dedicated counters at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) centres are made available for senior citizens and differently-abled individuals, helping them book tickets without long waits or crowd hassles.

Railways’ Vision for Inclusive Travel
Indian Railways continues to focus on delivering cost-effective, inclusive, and accessible transport solutions for all. The latest steps come as part of the government’s broader vision to modernize the railways while remaining sensitive to the needs of the most vulnerable passengers.