IRCTC Child Ticket Rules: What Parents Must Know Before Travelling With Kids On Indian Railways

As the Christmas and New Year holiday rush begins, thousands of families are preparing to travel across India, many choosing the comfort and affordability of trains. With schools closed for winter vacation, tourist routes are expected to see heavy passenger traffic. In such situations, understanding the child ticket policy of Indian Railways becomes crucial for all parents to avoid last-minute confusion.

Indian Railways Child Ticket Policy: Age-Based Rules

Indian Railways allows young children to travel either free of cost or at discounted fares depending on their age and berth requirements.

Here is a simple breakdown of the rules every parent should know:

Child Age Group	Ticket Requirement	Berth/Seat	Charges
Below 5 years	No ticket needed	No separate berth allowed	Free
5 to below 12 years	Paid ticket required	Without separate berth	Child fare
5 to below 12 years	If separate berth/seat is needed	Berth will be allotted	Full adult fare
12 years & above	Regular ticket	Full berth allowed	Full adult fare

These guidelines were issued by the Ministry of Railways in a circular dated March 6, 2020. The circular clearly states:

“…that Children under five years of age shall be carried free. However, separate berth or seat (in chair car) shall not be given… However, if berth/seat shall be sought on voluntary basis for children of age below 5 years then full adult fare shall be charged.”

Why This Matters for Parents

Many travellers assume that children automatically get a berth for free, but that’s not the case. Parents should carefully select ticket options while booking on IRCTC especially during peak holiday travel when berths are in high demand.

To ensure a comfortable journey for both kids and guardians, plan ahead and choose the fare option that suits your family’s needs.