PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Aug 18: Railways today made it clear that no changes have been made in the rule related to booking of tickets for children travelling in trains.
A circular issued by the railways stated that it is optional for passengers to buy tickets and book berths for children below 5 years.
“Free travel is allowed for children below five years if no birth is booked,” stated the circular.
Notably, there have been some media reports that claim that Indian Railways has changed the rule with regards to booking 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 on the train.
“Such news items and media reports are misleading,” said a spokesperson of South Eastern Railway.
He said that Indian Railways has not introduced any changes with regards to booking tickets for children travelling on the train.
According to the spokesperson, on the demand of 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 issued by the union railway ministry stated 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, purchase of any ticket is not required provided a separate berth is not claimed.
At the same time, if berth/seat shall be sought voluntarily for children of age below five years then full adult fare shall be charged.
