To further support the gender-sensitive needs of the travellers, Indian Railways has decided to reserve six berths in the 3-tier coaches of fully air-conditioned Rajdhani and Duronto trains.

"It has been decided that a reservation quota of six berths in 3AC class of all Rajdhani, Duronto, fully air-conditioned trains should be earmarked for female passengers, irrespective of their age, travelling alone or in a group of female passengers," said the Railway Board's circular issued on 30 November.

This quota is in addition to four berths per coach reserved for senior citizens, female passengers older than 45 years and pregnant women.

Other Indian Railway reservations for women that you should be aware of:

• At present six lower berth sleeper class berths are reserved for female passengers travelling alone or in a group in all mail or express trains.
• Three lower berth seats in 2-tier and 3-tier AC coaches of mail or express trains are reserved for senior citizens, women over 45 years of age and pregnant women.
• Three lower berth seats in 2-tier and 3-tier AC coaches of mail or express trains are reserved for senior citizens, women over 45 years of age and pregnant women.
• Four lower berth seats in 3-tier AC coaches of fully air-conditioned trains like Rajdhani are reserved for senior citizens, women over 45 years of age and pregnant women.
• Six berths in the 3-tier AC coaches of Garibrath trains are also reserved for women.
• Unlisted berths of the train under the ladies quota at the time of chart preparation will first be offered to women in the waiting list and then to senior citizens.