New Railways Ticket Rules – If you’re planning a family trip by train, there’s something important you need to know. Indian Railways has recently updated its rules for booking child tickets, and these changes are catching many travelers off guard. The goal is to make the ticketing process clearer, reduce misuse of child concessions, and help railway staff manage seats more efficiently. But if you’re not aware of the updates, you might face unnecessary trouble during your journey.
So let’s break it down in simple terms—what’s new, what to avoid, and how to book tickets the right way.
What Has Changed in Child Ticket Booking?
Until recently, many parents assumed that all children under 12 automatically received discounted tickets. But that’s not the case anymore. Indian Railways has now clearly outlined what you need to do when booking tickets for children between the ages of 5 and 12.
Here’s the deal:
- Kids below 5 years can still travel for free, but they won’t get their own berth.
- Children aged 5 to under 12 can travel at a concessional rate only if you choose not to book a berth.
- If you want a separate berth for a child in that age group, you’ll now need to pay the full adult fare.
- During the ticket booking process, you must specify whether a berth is required.
- Providing incorrect information, such as giving the wrong age or not selecting the berth option properly, can lead to extra charges or penalties.
These updates aim to make things more transparent and prevent misuse of concessions that were originally meant for genuine cases.
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid
Many travelers are still following outdated practices, which can lead to confusion and issues with ticket examiners during travel. Here are some mistakes you’ll want to steer clear of:
- Thinking all children under 12 automatically get discounted fares, no matter what.
- Forgetting to mention whether your child needs a berth at the time of booking.
- Giving the wrong age for your child to get a concession unfairly.
- Not carrying any ID proof for your child if a berth is booked.
- Expecting train staff to make berth adjustments after you board.
These errors might seem small, but they can create major problems once you’re on the train.
Booking Tips for Parents Using IRCTC
When booking online through IRCTC, make sure to do the following:
- Enter your child’s correct age.
- Select “Berth Required” only if you are okay with paying the full fare.
- If you choose “No Berth Required,” your child will need to share a berth with an adult.
- Keep a copy of your child’s age proof handy—this could be a birth certificate, school ID, or Aadhaar card.
Also, avoid assuming that booking agents or cyber cafe operators will make the right choices for you. Always double-check what’s being entered.
How These Changes Affect Your Budget
If you’re a parent traveling with one or more children, these changes can affect your travel costs, especially if you want your kids to have their own berths.
For example, a family of four traveling in sleeper class—two adults and two children—will pay half the fare for the children only if no berth is selected. But if berths are booked for them, you’ll need to pay full fare, which can double your child’s ticket cost.
This means a little planning can go a long way. If the trip is short or overnight berths aren’t needed, you might save money by not booking berths for the kids. But for longer journeys, comfort might be worth the extra cost.
Special Notes and Exceptions
There are a few special cases where different rules apply:
- School group bookings may still qualify for limited concessions.
- Tatkal tickets do not come with child discounts.
- In premium trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi, the rules are enforced strictly.
- If a berth isn’t booked, children will have to share with an accompanying adult, even in AC classes.
What Happens During Ticket Checks
Ticket examiners may ask for age proof, especially if a child is occupying a separate berth. If the information doesn’t match or you didn’t declare the berth properly, the TTE has the right to charge full fare on the spot or cancel the child’s berth. This is why it’s crucial to book tickets honestly and carry proper documents.
The new child ticketing rules from Indian Railways are designed to make the system fairer and easier to manage. Yes, they might seem a bit strict at first, but once you understand how they work, it’s easy to plan accordingly.
Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Plan ahead and know the rules before booking.
- Be accurate about your child’s age and berth preference.
- Always carry some form of ID for your child, especially if they have a seat.
- Don’t expect last-minute adjustments once the journey starts.
By staying informed and careful, you can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy a smoother trip with your family.