The Railways has decided to charge full fare for children (5-12 years) for seats in reserved class, with the revised child fare to be effective from April 21.

Under the revised provision, full adult fare will be charged for children of age 5 years and under 12 years of age if for whom full separate berth/seat (in reserved class) is sought at the time of reservation, an official statement said.

However, in case full separate berth/seat is not sought, half of the adult fare shall continue to be charged subject to minimum distance for charging. The revised child fare rule has been made applicable for travel from April 21, 2016 onwards, it said.

While filling up reservation form, the passenger can indicate their option for requirement of full berth/seat for children or not. There is no change in the rule for child fare of unreserved tickets - fare for children of 5-12 years for such tickets shall continue to be half of the adult fare subject to the minimum distance for charging.

Children under five years of age will continue to be carried free (without berth) in case of both reserved and unreserved classes, the statement added.