Train tickets can now be booked from any station to any other station. Previously, there were rules specifying minimum distances and intermediate stations. However, these restrictions no longer apply, and tickets can be booked for any route. Additionally, the Railway Ministry has outlined new rules for lower berths due to high demand.
The new guidelines include:
Senior Citizens: Lower berths will be automatically allocated to senior citizens upon entering their age. This means that if their age is entered correctly, they will be assigned lower berths.
First Class and Coupe: In first class and coupe compartments, lower berths will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sleeper Coaches: For senior citizens, three lower berths per coach will be reserved in the senior citizen quota. In AC-2 tier coaches, two lower berths will be allocated. Pregnant women and differently-abled individuals will also receive two berths. Additional lower berths will be provided based on availability when making reservations.
Age Criteria: Males aged 60 years and above, and females aged 45 years and above, are considered senior citizens.
Separate Berths for Women: In some trains, separate sleeper class compartments with six berths will be allocated for women.
The Railway Ministry has emphasized that these changes aim to accommodate the needs of passengers better and improve travel comfort.