Indian Railways is known to be the lifeline of the country, connecting villages to major metropolitan cities. It carries a huge number of passengers on a daily basis. Indian Railways has achieved a major milestone in the field of electrification, track expansion, and the introduction of semi-high-speed trains. It has also introduced digital tickets, which has transformed the rail system in the country on a massive scale. One such major development in the rail system is the computerized reservation system carried out by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
Indian Railways has also provided special facilities for senior citizens, women, and the disabled. One such facility is the automatic allocation of lower berths to senior citizens and women above a certain age group, as lower berths are more convenient and safe. However, contrary to claims, a recent social media post claimed that an 82-year-old woman was given an upper berth despite the availability of lower berths. IRCTC has issued a clarification on the matter.
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Passenger flags upper berth allotment for 82-year-old traveller
The issue came to light when the user posted that he was booking a train ticket for an 82-year-old woman. However, to his surprise, IRCTC allotted an upper berth to an old woman. This happened when several lower berths were available at the time of booking the tickets. The post also questioned the reason behind the lack of priority in the allocation of the lower berth to the woman.
The user further questioned the allocation of the lower berth to the woman and the subsequent sale of the lower berth at a premium price in the premium tatkal ticket category. The tweet also took an opportunity to comment on the removal of the quota for senior citizens, tagging the authorities while expressing frustration about the insensitive nature of the reservation. In his post, the user wrote,
Booked ticket for 82 year old lady and @IRCTCofficial allotted upper berth (even though there were many seats available). Now the same lower berths will be sold at high rates in premium tatkal. Also well done in removing senior citizen quota @AshwiniVaishnaw
Booked ticket for 82 year old lady and @IRCTCofficial allotted upper berth (even though there were many seats available). Now the same lower berths will be sold at high rates in premium tatkal 👏
Also well done in removing senior citizen quota @AshwiniVaishnaw
— babu bisleri (@baabuOP) February 28, 2026
How does IRCTC react to the complaint?
In response to the complaint, IRCTC made it clear that the computerized reservation system used by the Indian Railways provides the option to automatically allocate seats to senior citizens and females above the age of 45 years, even if the passenger has not made any specific request.
At the same time, the corporation made it clear that the allocation would depend entirely on the availability of the seats. In the absence of seats in the lower berths, the computerized reservation system would allocate the passenger to any other available berth, even the upper berth. IRCTC wrote,
Sir, In the computerized 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., even if no choice is given. It is, however, subject to availability of such lower berths at the time of booking. 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. Moreover, on Indian Railways reserved accommodation can be booked on first come first served basis and berth of choice is allotted subject to availability.
Sir, In the computerized 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., even if no choice is given. It is, however, subject to availability of such lower…
— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) February 28, 2026
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However, there was no direct clarification from the IRCTC regarding the premium tatkal pricing issue.
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How did netizens react to the post?
The post quickly gained traction, garnering thousands of views, likes, and shares. It has also triggered mixed reactions across the netizens. Many expressed empathy for the elderly passenger, as they also expressed frustration with the system. Others shared similar experiences, stating that they too had faced the same problem. However, there have been a few comments supporting the IRCTC, stating that the system works in a pre-defined manner, and not all lower berths can be given to the elderly alone, as there is a huge demand. Have a look at some of the reactions:
There is an option while booking tickets
“Book only if lower berth is alloted”Should have selected that, instead of non sensical whining here for a non-issue
— Shreyans Singhi (@shreyayans) February 28, 2026
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bht hi chutiya system hai
hamko 25 logo ki group Booking karani thi jisme sr citizen bhi the. kisi compartment me 2 seat kisi me 3 seat, kuch seat to agle dabbe me di. hamse jyada pareshan to baaki yatri the ki ye 25 log 2 dabbbo me ghum rahe hain.— Tarun 🇮🇳 (@bansalsaaab) February 28, 2026
worst performing sector and ministry they releases reels and show everything is fine which is not irctc itself is worst everyday complainst of bad food qulity and vendor involved in giving threats and even fights with those who complaints bigggg shameeeeeeeeeeeee
— Duniya Ke Kalesh (@yadav_army11902) March 1, 2026
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This happened with me multiple times on different routes… Selected senior citizens quota, chose lower berth in preferred berth tab. Still dey alloted upper berth to my 80+year old relative
— आईसेक (@Mahagunpuram_7) February 28, 2026
Total mockery. Only stand to gain money. Everything else is first mktg, blah blah.
I suggest, take full booking, give just confirmation of reservation . The chart it properly with all parameters accomodated. Try to keep families in one place.— Pranesh Deshpande (@Pranesh88283538) February 28, 2026
2A has 10 berths allocated for SS quota. There are lower berths available in 3A for your date.
— CA Suraj Lakhotia (@surajlakhotia) February 28, 2026
A similar thing happened recently when my wife was traveling in the train, a pregnant woman (deserves better) didn’t get the lower seat birth, she asked my wife to take the upper seat birth, but she herself is the patient of backpain, so wonder how railways allocate the tickets,
— Manzoor Elahi Khan (@ManzoorEkhan7) February 28, 2026
Same happened to me everytime. My mother was sick due to operation I have to travel from train so she gets more stability after her cataract operation. But same 3rd class railway deliberately alloted middle birth her age is 65. Still we have to travel with middle birth
— Tommy M (@bigcat9111) February 28, 2026
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What do you think about this incident? Do share your thoughts with us in the comment section of this article.
