Indian Railways caters to millions of passengers daily, including a diverse range of travellers from children to senior citizens. To make journeys more comfortable for the elderly, Railways has implemented special provisions. If you have booked a lower berth for a senior citizen but have not received it, here’s what you need to know.
Booking Lower Berths for Senior Citizens
Indian Railways has established guidelines to ensure senior citizens receive lower berths for a more convenient travel experience. Lower berths can be specifically booked for senior citizens to accommodate their needs. However, a recent case highlighted an issue where a passenger, despite requesting a lower berth for his uncle who had leg problems, was assigned an upper berth.
How to Secure a Lower Berth
In response to such concerns, Railways has clarified that lower berths are allocated differently based on the booking type:
- General Quota Bookings: When booking under the general quota, lower berths are assigned based on availability. If no lower berths are available, you will be assigned an upper berth.
- Reservation Choice: For guaranteed lower berth allocation, you should book under the “Reservation Choice” option, where lower berths are specifically reserved for senior citizens if available.
First-Come, First-Served Basis
Railways emphasises that general quota bookings are processed on a first-come, first-served basis without manual intervention. If a lower berth is available at the time of booking, it will be allocated accordingly. If a lower berth is not available during the booking process, you might not receive it. However, passengers can approach the Ticket Collector (TTE) on the train and request a lower berth, which may be assigned if available.
By understanding these guidelines and booking strategies, you can enhance the comfort of senior citizens travelling by Indian Railways and ensure they receive the appropriate accommodations.
