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Navigating Child Travel Norms in Indian Railways
Traveling with children in Indian Railways involves adhering to specific child travel norms and understanding the fare structure for youngsters. Here, we break down the rules and procedures, so you can plan your rail journey with ease.
Child Travel Norms in Indian Railways: What You Need to Know
1. Children Below 5 Years: Children in this age group travel for free. They don't receive a separate berth or seat, making it ideal for parents traveling with infants.
2. Children Between 5 and 12 Years: For kids aged 5 to 12, the fare is half of the adult fare. However, if parents prefer a separate berth or seat for their child, they'll need to pay the full adult fare.
3. Children 12 Years and Above: Once a child turns 12, they are charged the full adult fare.
These norms underwent a revision in April 2016, when Indian Railways decided to charge a full adult fare for children aged 5 to 12 if they occupy separate seats or berths. This change aimed to prevent the misuse of seats and boost railway revenue.
Recent data from an RTI response indicates that this revision has generated over Rs 2,800 crore in revenue for Indian Railways over the past seven years. Interestingly, around 70% of traveling children opt to pay the full fare for separate accommodations. The financial year 2022-23 alone raked in Rs 560 crore, marking it as the most profitable year.
Minimum Age to Travel Alone on Indian Railways
The minimum age for solo train travel in India depends on the type of ticket and service chosen. Here are the two options:
1. Unaccompanied Minor Service: This service caters to children aged 8 to 11 traveling alone or with peers of the same age group. Railway staff provides assistance and supervision during the journey. To use this service, the child must pay the full adult fare and carry a valid photo ID with their date of birth.
Parents or guardians need to fill out a form at the booking office, along with the child's ticket and ID proof. They must also receive the child at the destination station and present their own ID proof.
2. Regular Ticket: Children aged 12 and above can travel alone without special assistance. They pay the full adult fare and need to carry a valid photo ID with a photograph. These passengers can book their tickets online or offline and board the train independently.
Documents Required for Child Travel
The documents needed for child travel vary based on ticket type and age:
- Reserved Tickets for Children Below 5: No document is required; they travel for free without a separate seat or berth.
- Reserved Tickets for Children Aged 5 to 12: Valid photo ID with the date of birth, such as Aadhaar card, school/college ID, or bank passbook. Fare is half of the adult fare unless a separate berth or seat is chosen.
- Reserved Tickets for Children Aged 12 and Above: Valid photo ID with a photograph, such as a voter ID card, passport, PAN card, driving license, or Aadhaar card. Full adult fare applies.
- Unreserved Tickets for Children Below 5: No document is needed for free travel.
- Unreserved Tickets for Children Aged 5 to 12: Valid photo ID with date of birth. Fare is half of the adult fare, subject to a minimum chargeable distance.
- Unreserved Tickets for Children Aged 12 and Above: Valid photo ID with a photograph. Full adult fare is charged.
Booking Tickets for Children on the IRCTC Website
To book tickets for children on the IRCTC website, follow these steps:
1. Visit the official IRCTC website or use the IRCTC app.
2. Login with your user ID and password or create new credentials.
3. Click "Plan My Bookings" under "Train Ticketing."
4. Enter your journey details and select the preferred train.
5. Add passenger details, including the child's age and whether they require a separate berth or seat.
6. Review the booking and make the payment.
7. You'll receive an SMS and email confirmation of your booking, and you can print or download the e-ticket for reference.
Understanding these child travel norms and procedures will ensure a smooth and hassle-free train journey for both parents and children in Indian Railways.
