Indian Railways plays a major role in connecting millions of passengers across India. To make travel more comfortable for senior citizens, women traveling alone, and specially-abled travellers, the Railways has introduced and updated several rules — one of the most important being the lower berth reservation facility.
If you’re wondering why you sometimes don’t get a lower berth even if you’re eligible, or how to book one correctly, this guide on IRCTC lower berth rules will clear all your doubts.
Table of contents
- 1 🚉 What Is the Lower Berth Ticket Facility?
- 2 🛏️ How Many Lower Berths Are Reserved?
- 3 👥 Who Is Eligible for Lower Berth Quota?
- 4 🏷️ Official Clarification From IRCTC
- 5 🧾 Rules for Sleeping & Seating (Time Restrictions)
- 6 🎫 How to Book a Lower Berth on IRCTC
- 7 🪑 RAC Rules for Side Lower Berth
- 8 🚉 Reassignment of Vacant Berths During Journey
- 9 🧾 Key Takeaways: IRCTC Lower Berth Rules (Quick Summary)
- 10 📌 Related Articles (Internal Linking)
- 11 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 12 🏁 Final Thoughts
🚉 What Is the Lower Berth Ticket Facility?
The lower berth facility ensures easy and safe seating and sleeping access, especially for those who may find climbing upper berths difficult.
Reserved lower berth seats are available for:
- Senior citizens
- Pregnant women
- Women aged 45+ (traveling alone or with one eligible passenger)
- Divyangjan (Persons with Disabilities)
This is designed to make train travel safer and more accessible for those who need it most.
🛏️ How Many Lower Berths Are Reserved?
As per Indian Railways allocation:
| Class | Lower Berths Reserved |
|---|---|
| Sleeper Class | 6–7 lower berths per coach |
| AC 3-Tier (3AC/3E) | 4–5 lower berths |
| AC 2-Tier (2AC) | 3–4 lower berths |
👉 Allocation may vary depending on train composition.
👥 Who Is Eligible for Lower Berth Quota?
| Category | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Male Senior Citizen | Age 60+ |
| Female Senior Citizen | Age 45+ |
| Pregnant Women | No age bar |
| Persons with Disabilities | Valid ID required |
⚠️ Important: If more than two senior citizens are booked under the same PNR, the system may treat it as a regular booking — meaning the lower berth quota benefit may not apply.
🏷️ Official Clarification From IRCTC
IRCTC recently confirmed:
Lower berth quota applies only when 1–2 eligible passengers (senior citizens/pregnant woman/women 45+) are booked on a single ticket.
If a senior citizen travels with a non-senior, the quota may not apply.
🧾 Rules for Sleeping & Seating (Time Restrictions)
According to Railway Manual Rule 652:
- Lower berths can be used for sleeping only between 10 PM and 6 AM.
- During daytime, the berth must be available for sitting.
- Passengers are requested to cooperate with disabled travellers, pregnant women, or elderly travellers requiring extended rest.
🎫 How to Book a Lower Berth on IRCTC
1️⃣ Online Booking (IRCTC Website or App)
- Select passenger category (Senior Citizen, Divyangjan, etc.)
- Tick the option: “Book only if lower berth available”
- Apply concession (if eligible)
If no lower berth is available → the system will not book the ticket.
2️⃣ Booking at Railway Counter
- Request lower berth quota
- Provide:
- Age proof
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- The system will auto-assign based on availability.
🪑 RAC Rules for Side Lower Berth
Under Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC):
- Both RAC passengers can sit during the day.
- Only the passenger allotted the lower berth can sleep on it from 10 PM to 6 AM.
🚉 Reassignment of Vacant Berths During Journey
If vacant lower berths are found after charting, TTEs must prioritize:
- Senior citizens
- Persons with disabilities
- Pregnant women
🧾 Key Takeaways: IRCTC Lower Berth Rules (Quick Summary)
✔ Automatic allotment for eligible passengers
✔ Only 1–2 eligible passengers per booking get quota benefit
✔ Lower berth available only between 10 PM and 6 AM for sleeping
✔ RAC lower berth follows shared seating rules
✔ Vacant lower berths are reassigned on priority
📌 Related Articles (Internal Linking)
- 🔗 How to Get IRCTC Concession for Disabled Passengers
- 🔗 Railway Concession for Senior Citizens — Latest Update
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I select a lower berth while booking IRCTC tickets?
Yes. You can choose “Lower Berth Only” while booking.
2. Why didn’t I get a lower berth even though I’m a senior citizen?
Possible reasons:
- Quota seats were already filled
- More than two passengers booked on the same PNR
- You booked under general quota instead of lower berth quota
3. Is lower berth guaranteed for disabled passengers?
It is prioritized but not guaranteed — depends on availability.
4. Is there an extra charge for lower berth booking?
No. Lower berth quota is free and automatic.
5. Can the TTE change my berth to lower berth during travel?
Yes — if a lower berth becomes vacant, TTE may reassign it based on priority rules.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Understanding IRCTC lower berth rules helps eligible passengers book tickets correctly and improves their chances of getting a comfortable and safe journey. With smart booking and awareness, senior citizens and specially-abled travellers can travel with ease and dignity.