No change in the rule related to booking of tickets for Children travelling on a train

It is optional for passengers to buy tickets & book berths for children below 5 years

Free travel is allowed for children below 5 years if no birth is booked

By PIB Delhi

There have been some recent media reports that claim that Indian Railways have changed the rule with regards to booking of tickets for Children travelling on the train. These reports claim that now children between the age of one to four years will have to get a ticket for traveling by train.

These news items and media reports are misleading. It is informed that Indian Railways has not introduced any changes with regards to booking of tickets for children travelling on the train. On the demand of the passengers, an option has been given to them to buy a ticket and book a berth for their under 5-year-old child if they want. And if they don’t want a separate berth, then it is free, the same as it used to be earlier.

A Circular dated 06.03.2020 of the Ministry of Railways states that Children under five years of age shall be carried free. However, a separate berth or seat (in chair car) shall not be given. Therefore, the purchase of any ticket is not required, provided a separate berth is not claimed. However, if berth/seat shall be sought on a voluntary basis for children of age below 5 years, then full adult fare shall be charged.