Fact-Check: Do Children Below 5 Years Need Tickets To Travel In Trains?

New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways on Wednesday clarified that media reports claiming that the railways has changed the rules on booking of tickets for children were misleading and false.

The media reports claimed that the railways has changed the rules with regards to booking of tickets for children. According to the reports, children between the age of one and four years need to have tickets to travel in trains.

“These news items and media reports are misleading. It is informed that Indian Railways has not introduced any changes with regards to booking of tickets for children travelling in trains. On the demand of passengers, an option has been given to them to buy a ticket and book a berth for their under five-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,” the railways clarified.

A circular dated March 6, 2020 of the Ministry of Railways states that children under five years of age shall travel 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. However, if berth/seat shall be sought on voluntary basis for children of age below five years, then full adult fare shall be charged.