A video recording of a dispute between a passenger and a railway service employee regarding a child's ticket is actively circulating on social media. The discussion reached such a heated point that there were talks about involving representatives of the RPF and filming the incident from both sides.
The video shows a controller (TTE) asking the passenger questions about the child's ticket. The passenger claims that the ticket for the child was not purchased. A dispute also occurs between them regarding the child's age. The TTE clarifies the age and ticket status, while the passenger insists on their position. During the dialogue, the passenger mentions that the child is in the sixth grade.
The TTE insists on the necessity of issuing a ticket for the child, which escalates the discussion. The passenger asks the TTE to speak more quietly, and the controller asks them to remain calm. The situation intensifies until both parties begin discussing the recording of the event. The passenger states that they will purchase a ticket for the child, but the TTE emphasizes that a ticket is required if the child's age exceeds the established limit.
This incident has once again drawn public attention to the current rules concerning children's travel on trains. Questions arise about up to what age children can travel without a ticket, at what age a half-price discount applies, and when a full ticket must be purchased.
According to railway regulations, children under five years old can travel with parents without purchasing a separate travel document or being assigned their own seat. That is, if parents wish for the young child to stay near them or in their seat, a separate ticket does not need to be bought. However, if parents want the child to have a separate seat assigned, then a separate ticket may be required. Therefore, it is crucial to state the child's age and the need for a separate seat when booking tickets.
In Indian Railways, there are many misconceptions regarding children's tickets, especially concerning the age requiring a ticket and the age at which a three-quarter fare applies. The rules state that children under five years old do not require a separate ticket if they are not occupying a separate chair or seat. Such children can travel free with parents or legal guardians, but they are not provided with a separate seat. The child must remain near the parents or accompanying person.
For children aged five to twelve, purchasing a ticket is mandatory. In this age range, if a separate seat is not reserved for the child, a ticket can be purchased at a reduced price, often referred to as a 'child half-ticket.'
It is important to understand that obtaining a half-ticket does not guarantee a separate seat or compartment. If a child aged five to twelve has purchased a ticket at a discounted rate but has not selected a separate seat, the child must sit or sleep in the place of the parents or accompanying person. Thus, purchasing a ticket at a reduced rate does not automatically secure a separate seat on the train. To get a separate seat, a full-fare ticket must be purchased.
Therefore, before traveling, one should determine in advance whether the child requires a separate seat based on their age to avoid misunderstandings or disputes during the journey.
Children aged twelve and older are usually classified as adult passengers. In such cases, they must purchase tickets at adult fares. Consequently, when booking a ticket for a child, it is critically important to state their exact age. Simply stating that the child attends school or looks small is not grounds for changing ticketing rules.
The main conflict in the video unfolds between the passenger and the TTE over the child's ticket. The passenger expresses their opinion on the child's age, while the TTE insists on the necessity of issuing a ticket. The passenger also mentions that the child is in the sixth grade. On the other hand, the TTE justifies the need for a ticket by citing the age. The tone of communication gradually increases, turning into an open argument. In the video, the passenger states that they will purchase a ticket for the child, while the TTE, fulfilling their duties, points out the need for ticket inspection.