WHY DO LOWER BERTHS IN SLEEPERS ELUDE GENUINE SEEKERS ?
A recent query on Twitter highlighted a common frustration: “Despite booking tickets for three senior citizens with a preference for all lower berths, they were assigned a middle berth, an upper berth, and a side lower berth, even though 102 lower berths were available.”
IRCTC’s Response: Who is Eligible for a Lower Berth?
The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) responded, explaining the allocation rules for lower berths:
Lower berths under the senior citizen quota are reserved for passengers aged 60 and above.
Women aged 45 and above are also eligible if traveling alone or with only one companion on the same ticket.
If more than two senior citizens are traveling together, or if a senior citizen is accompanied by a non-senior citizen, the system does not guarantee a lower berth.
While the policy clarifies the eligibility, the real issue remains: many senior citizens are still denied lower berths, despite their physical need for them.
Addressing the Gap in Senior Citizen Accommodation
Special Consideration for Super Senior Citizens (75+):
There is a significant difference in physical strength and mobility between a 60-year-old and a 75-year-old. Shouldn’t IRCTC's system recognize this and prioritize lower berths for those over 75, at least for one passenger in such bookings? An accompanying person may not always be able to assist an elderly traveler in climbing to an upper berth.
Fairness in Fare vs. Berth Allocation:
Senior citizens pay the same fare as others. If Indian Railways is yet to restore fare concessions for seniors, why not at least extend lower berth priority to those aged 65, 70, and above (super seniors), beyond the current eligibility criteria?
Early Booking Advantage for Super Seniors:
Could the system prioritize lower berths for super senior citizens who book early—say, closer to 120 days in advance—while reserving middle and upper berths for Tatkal and other quotas? In the spirit of inclusivity, even Tatkal quota passengers could accommodate this adjustment.
This issue calls for a review of berth allocation policies to ensure that genuine seekers—especially frail senior citizens—receive the accommodation they truly need.
https://ladybrabourne.in/good-news-for-train-travelers-now-you-can-book-a-confirmed-lower-berth/ more
IRCTC’s Response: Who is Eligible for a Lower Berth?
The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) responded, explaining the allocation rules for lower berths:
Lower berths under the senior citizen quota are reserved for passengers aged 60 and above.
Women aged 45 and above are also eligible if traveling alone or with only one companion on the same ticket.
If more than two senior citizens are traveling together, or if a senior citizen is accompanied by a non-senior citizen, the system does not guarantee a lower berth.
While the policy clarifies the eligibility, the real issue remains: many senior citizens are still denied lower berths, despite their physical need for them.
Addressing the Gap in Senior Citizen Accommodation
Special Consideration for Super Senior Citizens (75+):
There is a significant difference in physical strength and mobility between a 60-year-old and a 75-year-old. Shouldn’t IRCTC's system recognize this and prioritize lower berths for those over 75, at least for one passenger in such bookings? An accompanying person may not always be able to assist an elderly traveler in climbing to an upper berth.
Fairness in Fare vs. Berth Allocation:
Senior citizens pay the same fare as others. If Indian Railways is yet to restore fare concessions for seniors, why not at least extend lower berth priority to those aged 65, 70, and above (super seniors), beyond the current eligibility criteria?
Early Booking Advantage for Super Seniors:
Could the system prioritize lower berths for super senior citizens who book early—say, closer to 120 days in advance—while reserving middle and upper berths for Tatkal and other quotas? In the spirit of inclusivity, even Tatkal quota passengers could accommodate this adjustment.
This issue calls for a review of berth allocation policies to ensure that genuine seekers—especially frail senior citizens—receive the accommodation they truly need.
https://ladybrabourne.in/good-news-for-train-travelers-now-you-can-book-a-confirmed-lower-berth/ more
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View all 10 comments Below 10 comments
Availability of lower berths absolutely essential . On the other hand, the website while booking, should not allot lower berths to 60+ or 45+ by default. Instead should be optional and also make available other berths option to this category. This way, those who are not requiring lower berths can have a berth of their choice, making ii available for the needy. Presently lower is thrust upon non seekers also. This way it is wasted, I would say. more
Feb 18
Fairness in allocation not followed by railways. This should be first come first served basis. Otherwise the earlier booking facilty itself(120 days ahead)will ture into sure bogus and cheat. Will remain only as a paper thamasha. Also will disrespect the perverted intellectuals did the system. F C F S basis is THE fair solition to this perennial problem. Will this reach and teach authorities to render good to Srs. G.O.K. more
Feb 17
Some Point of View you are Correct. But it also true that all Sr. citizens cant be given Lower berth. the Ladies & Sr. citizens are sometimes acting as King or Purchaser of Rly. If they get Lower Berth around 80 % journey time they slept causing non-easy to another fellow passengers. they cant sit . they can't eat. The Rules of Sleeping Should be implemented strongly. Pl.note that I am also Sr. Citizen. more
Feb 17
I think the factual position about the issue has not been shared. If more senior citizen category applicants are then how do they determine inter se eligibility among the pool of the applicants. My experience shows that when I travel with my spouse, both in the elible category, only I being senior in age, get the lower berth. Supply and demand principle, perhaps, could be regulating it judiciously against pre-dtermined templates. more
Feb 17
Only Vande Bharat business by present railway minister. I don't think even 1 percent of population can't afford Vande Bharat fare structure which is close to Air fare. Who bothers about AAM ADMI except for election speeches? more
Feb 17
