- A TTE on Dibrugarh Rajdhani explained why senior citizens may not get lower berths
- Senior citizen quota applies only if two or fewer seniors are booked on the same ticket
- IRCTC clarified lower berth quota is for males 60+, females 45+ traveling alone or two seniors
A Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) from the Indian Railways has gone viral online after explaining why senior citizens do not always receive lower berths while travelling. The video, filmed onboard the Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express, has proven useful and informative for passengers who often face confusion regarding seat allotments under the senior citizen quota.
In the clip, the TTE is seen addressing passengers and clarifying a commonly misunderstood aspect of railway bookings for senior citizens. "Today we are on board train number 2424, the Dibrugarh Rajdhani. Here are four passengers - all senior citizens - and none of them has been allotted a lower berth. They've received middle and upper berths. So, they asked me why this happened," the TTE says in the video.
Do Not Make This Mistake While Booking Tickets
The TTE continues to explain, "If you wish to avail the senior citizen quota and get a lower berth, only two passengers should be booked on a single ticket. If you include more than two people on the same ticket, the quota benefits lapse."
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How Indian Railways Allots Lower Berths: Explained
The Indian Railways' Passenger Reservation System automatically prioritises lower berths for eligible senior citizens when they travel alone or with just one other senior citizen on the same ticket.
However, if more than two senior citizens or a mix of senior and non-senior passengers are booked under the same PNR, the system treats the booking under the general quota instead. This reduces the likelihood of receiving lower berths even if the passengers qualify by age.
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The viral video has earned widespread appreciation for shedding light on how berth allotments work under the senior citizen quota. Many viewers praised the TTE for providing a simple explanation that could help passengers plan their bookings more effectively in the future.
IRCTC's Official Statement
In response to a similar query earlier in August, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) issued a clarification on X (formerly Twitter). "Lower berth/Sr. Citizen quota berths are earmarked only for male passengers aged 60 years and above and female passengers aged 45 years and above, when travelling alone or with two passengers (under the mentioned criteria) on one ticket. If there are more than two senior citizens, or if one senior citizen travels with a non-senior, the system will not consider the quota," IRCTC had stated.
Learn About Senior Citizen Quota For Lower Berth On Indian Railways
According to Indian Railways, the Passenger Reservation System has specific provisions for senior citizens and women passengers:
- Lower berths are automatically allotted to senior citizens (60 years and above) and women passengers aged 45 years and above, subject to availability.
- In each train coach, six to seven lower berths in Sleeper Class, four to five in AC 3-tier, and three to four in AC 2-tier are reserved for senior citizens, women above 45, and pregnant women.
- Additionally, a minimum of seven seats in both the first and last second-class general compartments are reserved for senior citizens across suburban sections on all zonal railways.
While no proof of age is needed during booking, passengers must carry valid age identification during travel and present it if requested by ticket checking staff.
