Travelling with the Indian Railways will now be easier for pregnant women, women above 45 years and senior citizens. Passengers who fall in these categories will be offered a quota of two lower berths per coach in AC 3, AC 2 and sleeper class trains when travelling alone.

The decision will be implemented for six months from August 1 on an experimental basis. The proposed quota will apply only to trains that have reserved accommodation. Rail Bhavan will take a final call on the matter after evaluating its pros and cons after three months of its implementation.

Under the system, the quota will remain open for booking till the time the chart of a train is prepared. If the quota remains unutilised at the time of the preparation of charts, it will be released to wait-listed passengers.

The Railways will modify the Railway Requisition Form to enable pregnant women to register in the quota. However, they would be required to submit a certificate of pregnancy certified by a registered medical practitioner at the time of booking tickets.

The reservation will be earmarked at the originating station of the train. But if any train originates from a less important station, the quota will be earmarked at the major station en route.