How to Get a Lower Berth on Indian Railways: Priority Rules, Quotas and Booking Options Explained
New Delhi, 5th August 2026: Securing a lower berth can be especially important for senior citizens, pregnant women and passengers with disabilities. Indian Railways has specific provisions for lower-berth allotment and dedicated reservation quotas for eligible passengers, subject to availability.
While passengers can indicate their preferred berth during ticket booking, the final allotment depends on berth availability and the applicable reservation rules.
Who Gets Priority for a Lower Berth?
Senior citizens, women aged 45 years and above, and pregnant women are automatically considered for lower-berth allotment, subject to availability, even if they do not specifically select a lower berth while booking.
The reservation system allocates available lower berths based on eligibility, applicable priority rules and seat availability at the time of booking.
Lower-Berth Quota by Coach
Indian Railways earmarks a certain number of lower berths in different classes for eligible passengers:
Sleeper Class: 6–7 lower berths per coach
AC 3-Tier (3AC): 4–5 lower berths per coach
AC 2-Tier (2AC): 3–4 lower berths per coach
The exact number may vary depending on the train’s coach composition.
What If a Senior Citizen Is Allotted an Upper or Middle Berth?
If lower berths become vacant during the journey, preference is generally given to senior citizens, pregnant women and persons with disabilities who were initially allotted middle or upper berths.
Passengers may contact the Train Ticket Examiner (TTE) to request a lower berth if one becomes available.
Lower-Berth Provision for Persons with Disabilities
Indian Railways has a separate reservation quota for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) travelling on Mail and Express trains, including Rajdhani and Shatabdi services. This quota is available regardless of whether the passenger is availing a fare concession.
The prescribed accommodation includes:
Sleeper Class: Four berths, including two lower berths
AC 3-Tier (3AC)/AC 3 Economy (3E): Four berths, including two lower berths
Reserved Second Sitting (2S)/AC Chair Car (CC): Four seats
How to Request a Lower Berth While Booking
Passengers booking tickets through the RailOne app or the Indian Railways reservation system can select their preferred berth type, including a lower berth, wherever the option is available.
Those booking tickets at a Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter can request the booking clerk to record their preference for a lower berth.
However, selecting a lower-berth preference does not guarantee allotment. The final berth assignment depends on availability, passenger eligibility, coach configuration and applicable reservation rules.
Things to Keep in Mind
Passengers who require a lower berth because of age, pregnancy or disability should ensure that all passenger details are entered accurately while booking and select the lower-berth preference whenever the booking system allows.
Lower-berth allotment remains subject to availability. Priority is provided in accordance with Indian Railways’ reservation rules for eligible senior citizens, women aged 45 years and above, pregnant women and Persons with Disabilities.
