Indian Railways, one of the largest railway networks globally, serves millions of passengers daily, providing affordable and efficient travel across India. With such high passenger numbers, the berth allocation system is crucial for ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction. However, many passengers struggle to secure their preferred berths due to the system being largely computerized.
Recently, a journalist raised concerns about senior citizens not receiving lower berths on trains, sparking widespread discussion on social media. This prompted a response from Indian Railways.
Journalist’s Complaint about Berth Allocation for Senior Citizens
Journalist Nidhi Shree Jha shared her dissatisfaction with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on social media. She explained that she had booked three tickets for train number 12309, traveling from Patna to Delhi on October 10.
Her request included two lower berths and one side lower berth for two women and a senior citizen. Despite her specific booking request and over 200 seats being available, she was allotted two upper berths and one middle berth.
Nidhi posted her complaint in Hindi on X (formerly Twitter), tagging IRCTC and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw:
“I booked 3 tickets for Patna-Delhi in train no 12309 for October 10. 1 senior citizen and 2 women are traveling. 2 lower and one side lower berths were booked but got 2 upper and 1 middle berth. While there are more than 200 seats available in the train. @IRCTCofficial @AshwiniVaishnaw”
मैंने पटना-दिल्ली के लिए ट्रेन संख्या 12309 में 10 अक्टूबर के लिए 3 टिकट बुक किया.
1 सीनियर सिटिज़न और 2 महिलाएँ सफ़र करने वाली हैं. 2 लोअर और एक साइड लोअर बर्थ बुक किया मिला 2 अपर और 1 मिडिल बर्थ.
जबकि ट्रेन में 200 से ज़्यादा सीट उपलब्ध है. @IRCTCofficial @AshwiniVaishnaw pic.twitter.com/Ow6m4kyHSV
— Nidhi Shree (@NidhiShreeJha) September 18, 2024
Mixed Reactions to the Post
Nidhi’s post quickly gained attention, sparking mixed reactions. Some supported her, while others questioned her for not booking under the senior citizen quota.
The same thing happened to me and this is what IRCTC replied! pic.twitter.com/apkFSGdUO7
— kisshu_sunkara (@KisshuSunkara) September 21, 2024
Aapko waha option choose karna chahiye tha, book at least if one lower berth is available ya book all seats opted.
— Badal (@theboynxt_door) September 18, 2024
You are absolutely right. I booked ticket for my father when about 125 seats were available. But seat allocated was Upper birth for 84 yrs old person. Can he climb? How come all Lower birth seats booked when large number of other births available. Not convinced. @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/JzBDi9Z2JT
— Akiwate Mahaveer (@Akiwate_NB) September 21, 2024
General quota me kiya hoga aapne, Ladies, Sr.Citizen k liye alag qouta hota hai usme karna tha usme confirmed lower birth milta hai.
— Atin (@Atin5166) September 18, 2024
Perhaps while booking preference was not mentioned otherwise I am regular user and senior citizen and I get lower berth but I have to opt the preference only then.
— RAM REKHA Mishra (@RRMishr25821582) September 21, 2024
Agar mahila 45+ hai to usko bhi senior citizen wala fayda milta hai aapko usase ticket book karna tha, I mean senior citizen quota
— Rahul Dwivedi (@RAHULDWIVEDl) September 18, 2024
Indian Railways’ Response
As the issue gained traction, Indian Railways responded via their official Twitter account. In their reply to Nidhi, Railway Sewa explained:
“In the computerized reservation system of Indian Railways, lower berths are automatically allocated to senior citizens and female passengers over 45 years of age or pregnant women, subject to availability at the time of booking.”
In the computerised reservation system of Indian Railways, there is a provision for allotting lower berth automatically to senior citizens and female passengers above the age of 45 years./pregnant women. (1/4)
— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) September 18, 2024
They further clarified that ticket-checking staff on trains are authorized to reassign lower berths to senior citizens if they become available during the journey. Additionally, when booking tickets online, passengers can opt to book only if lower berths are available.
It is, however, subject to availability of such lower berths at the time of booking. (2/4)
— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) September 18, 2024
In the trains also, ticket checking staff is authorised to allot lower berths falling vacant to such senior citizens who have been allotted middle/upper berth due to non-availability of lower berths at the time of booking. (3/4)
— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) September 18, 2024
It is also informed that at the time of booking reserved tickets through internet, there is a provision to opt for booking only if lower berth is available. In such case ticket shall be booked only if lower berth is available. (4/4)
— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) September 18, 2024
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