Railway Rules : Indian Railways has made major changes to child ticket booking rules to further improve passenger convenience. Under the new rules, train travel for parents or guardians with young children has become easier and clearer than ever before. Railways has provided free travel for children under 5 years of age, while special fare rules have been implemented for children between 5 and 12 years of age. These changes have come into effect immediately, and passengers are advised to enter correct information while booking tickets.
Relief for children below 5 years
Railways has given a big relief to families travelling with small children. As per the new rules, children below 5 years of age can travel in trains without ticket, provided they do not require a separate seat or berth. In such cases, parents can travel with the child sitting on their lap for free. However, if a separate berth or seat is booked for the child, then it will be mandatory to pay the full adult fare. Railways has ensured that families travelling with small children are saved from unnecessary expenses.
Railways has made special rules for children aged 5 to 12 years, which provide flexibility to the passengers. If the child in this age group does not require a seat or berth and the ‘No Seat/No Berth (NOSB)’ option is selected during ticket booking, the child ticket will be available at half fare. However, if a seat or berth is booked for the child, the full adult fare will have to be paid.
Additionally, the Railways has clarified that children over the age of 12 will be treated as adults. Tickets for such children will be charged the normal adult fare, and no discounts will be available.
Caution is necessary while booking tickets
Railways has appealed to the passengers to enter the correct age and date of birth of the child while booking the ticket. Providing wrong information may invalidate the ticket, and may also result in a penalty during the journey. Railways has also made it mandatory to carry the child’s age proof (such as Aadhaar card, birth certificate or school ID) during the journey. This may be demanded by the TTE during ticket checking.