Fact Check: No change in rule for ticket booking, travel for kids below 5 years is free as earlier

New Delhi: The Railways Ministry has dismissed claims & falsified reports of government introducing charges on travelling of below 5 years kids to make up for the ‘incurring losses’. Today, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in a fact-check clearly outlined the positive changes the government has ought to usher in and how this has been given a spin by opportunists.

Days ago, the social media got buzzing with reports that government has introduced new changes in ticket booking which mandates berth booking for kids from 1-5 years. The news came as shock to many commuters & passengers as it marks a departure from previous practice and putting extra burden on their pockets. Currently, the children below 5 years can travel with guardians without any charge.

Fact-checking the fake & misleading claims, the PIB said that the Indian Railways hasn’t brought any change with regard to booking of tickets for children travelling in trains.

It further said that an option was made available to passengers 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, same like it used to be earlier.

A Circular by Ministry of Railways states, “Children under 5 years shall be carried free. However, separate berth or seat (in chair car) shall not be given. Therefore purchase of any ticket is not required provided separate berth is not claimed.”

If any passenger wants separate berth/seat for the kid, they will have to make the payment and get separate berth for their child. The fare will be treated at par with the adults. If seat is sought for children below 5 years age, then full adult fare shall be charged.