Mumbai : The Railway authorities have decided to allot handicapped quota of two berths in sleeper class [lower and middle] for physically handicapped persons travelling on concession. This quota is applicable to both categories — for whom it is compulsory to travel along with escort and for whom it is optional. This will come into force no later than December 22.
This has come after recent instances were brought to the notice of the Board that the handicapped persons for whom it is optional to take an escort were not allowed to book a single berth against this quota by some Railways since the second berth will go vacant as middle berth cannot be allotted to physically handicapped person. This issue was also raised in Court of Chief Commissioner for Person with Disabilities.
Railway sources said that the matter was examined and it has been decided as follows — there will be two types of handicapped quota of two berths each in the same cabin; one for physically handicapped persons who can utilise concession only when accompanied by an escort and the second for those handicapped persons for whom it is optional to take an escort with them.
It has also been decided that whenever a physically handicapped person books ticket, if no berth is available in handicapped quota; the system will automatically try to allot the lower berth to him/her and middle berth to escort, subject to availability of same at the time of booking.
[alert type=”e.g. warning, danger, success, info” title=””]
Soon, pay full adult fare to reserve berth, seat for children
Mumbai : The Ministry of Railways has decided to revise the child fare rule with effect from April 10, 2016. Under the revised provision, full adult fare will be charged in case of full berth/seat (in reserved class) sought at the time of reservation for children aged between 5 years and under 12 years of age.
However, in case berth/seat is not sought for the children of age 5 years and under 12 years of age at the time of reservation, then half of adult fare shall continue to be charged subject to the minimum distance for charging.
There shall be no change in the rule for child fare of unreserved class. Tickets for children aged 5-12 years will continue to be half of the adult fare subject to the minimum distance for charging. Also, children under five years of age will continue to be allowed free of cost (without berth), said a railway official.
[/alert]
