Railway Knowledge: Your child will only get a half ticket on the train, but on one condition..

Child tickets are always a major issue for millions of families traveling by train in India. Many people assume that small children are free of charge or that half-price tickets are readily available for every child. However, the railway rules are slightly different, and it's important to understand them to avoid any difficulties during the journey. This information is crucial for new travelers because the requirements for child tickets are quite clear, but often overlooked.
The railway's half-ticket facility still exists, but there is a condition that must be met, without which the benefits are not available. Many families choose tickets for children based on their seat availability, but due to incorrect information, they sometimes end up paying higher fares or losing their confirmed seats. Therefore, understanding these rules makes the entire journey easier.

According to the railways, what benefits are available to children under the age of five?
A Full ticket and a confirmed seat
B Traveling without a ticket and having a confirmed seat
C Traveling without a ticket, but without a separate seat
D Half ticket and a separate seat

The entire rule is based on the age of the child.

According to the Railways, if your child is under five years old, no ticket is issued for them. They can travel without a ticket, but they will not be given a separate seat. This means they will share the seat with you. Half tickets are available for children between five and twelve years old. However, this half ticket only provides a seat if you choose the full fare. If you choose half fare, the child is allowed to travel, but a seat is not allotted.

If you want a seat, you must pay the full fare.
This is a condition that often confuses parents. The Railways does not provide a seat on a half ticket, as it is considered merely travel permission. If you wish for your child to have their own seat, you must pay the full fare instead of the half ticket. Many family members do not understand this at the time of booking and later complain about why they did not get a seat. This rule is clearly established in the railway system and applies to every booking.

This decision is crucial for long-distance travel.

If the journey is short and the child doesn't mind being carried on the lap or accompanied for a short while, a half ticket is sufficient. However, on long-distance trips, children may require a separate seat. In such cases, it's best to book a full ticket upfront. This ensures a comfortable journey and eliminates the stress of seating arrangements. Many families make this mistake during vacations, and then face difficulties in securing train seats.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News 18 hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.