If you’re planning to travel by train this summer vacation, this news is important for you! Many passengers, especially senior citizens, often struggle to get a lower berth while booking their tickets. Now, Indian Railways has explained how you can ensure a confirmed lower berth during your journey.
Why Do Passengers Struggle to Get Lower Berths?
A passenger recently raised this concern on Twitter, questioning the logic behind the seat allotment process. He mentioned that despite booking tickets for three senior citizens with a preference for lower berths, they were assigned a middle berth, an upper berth, and a side lower berth even though 102 berths were available at the time of booking.
The passenger tagged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and urged Indian Railways to fix this issue.
IRCTC’s Response: Who is Eligible for a Lower Berth?
Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) responded on Twitter, clarifying how lower berths are allotted:
- Lower berths under the senior citizen quota are reserved for passengers aged 60 years and above.
- Women aged 45 years and above are also eligible for lower berths if traveling alone or with only one companion on the same ticket.
- If more than two senior citizens are traveling together or if one passenger is a senior citizen and the other is not, the system does not guarantee a lower berth allocation.
Senior Citizen Concession Still Suspended
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, senior citizens were entitled to concessional train tickets. However, in 2020, Indian Railways suspended these concessions to discourage non-essential travel and minimize health risks. Since elderly passengers were among the most vulnerable to the virus, the discount was removed as a precautionary measure.
Although train services have returned to normal, the senior citizen concession has not yet been reinstated, despite frequent demands from passengers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a senior citizen or traveling with one, make sure to check the eligibility criteria for lower berths while booking your tickets. If you meet the requirements, you’re more likely to get a confirmed lower berth without hassle.