Indian Railways has been providing its services for years, with millions of passengers traveling by train every day. To ensure convenience for all, Indian Railways continuously strives to offer the best possible facilities to passengers. We all know that special concessions are provided to women, senior citizens, and differently-abled individuals, allowing some of them to travel for free.
In the same way, Indian Railways also offers discounts on train tickets for children. If you are planning to travel with kids, it is important to be aware of the children’s ticket booking rules. Let’s understand these rules in detail.
No Ticket Required for Kids Aged 1 to 4 Years
According to Indian Railways, if your child is between 1 and 4 years old, you do not need to purchase a ticket. As per the rules, no reservation is required for children in this age group, and they can travel on the train without a ticket.
Half Ticket for Kids Aged 5 to 12 Years
For children between 5 and 12 years old, Indian Railways requires passengers to purchase a half-ticket. However, no separate berth will be provided for them, meaning they will have to share a seat with their guardian. If you want your child to have a separate seat, you will need to buy a full ticket.
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Full Fare Required for Seat Reservation
If you choose to book a berth for a child aged between 1 and 5 years, you will have to pay the full ticket price. Two years ago, Indian Railways introduced the option of an infant berth in the AC Third Class of the Lucknow Mail train. If you plan to travel with your child, it is advisable to check the latest updates before booking.
No Half Ticket for Children Above 12 Years
For children aged 13 and above, there is no provision for a half ticket. You must pay the full fare, and they will be allotted a separate seat. If you attempt to hide your child’s age and purchase a half-ticket fraudulently, you may have to pay a fine as per Indian Railways’ rules.