With millions of passengers served every day, Indian Railways is one of the biggest railway networks in the world. It provides quick and reasonably priced travel, and it is essential in linking the length and breadth of India. Because there are so many people traveling, the berth allocation system becomes essential to maintaining efficient operations and happy customers. Unfortunately, many people find it difficult to find berths that suit their interests because it is mainly computerized.
Recently, a journalist posted his grievances about senior citizens not getting a lower berth on trains. This has ignited a huge discussion on social media, with many people questioning the need for a berth allocation system. Needless to say, Indian Railways also responded to the complaint.
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Journalist post about senior citizens not getting lower berths in trains
Recently, a journalist by the name of Nidhi Shree Jha took to social media to express her dissatisfaction with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). It all started after she made three reservations for train number 12309 on October 10 from Patna to Delhi.
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When she booked, she chose two lower beds and one side lower berth for two women and a senior citizen. Nonetheless, she was given two upper berths and one middle berth, even though there were more than 200 seats available.
Nidhi shared her experience on X, previously Twitter, by tagging IRCTC and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. In her post written in Hindi, she wrote,
“I booked 3 tickets for Patna-Delhi in train no 12309 for October 10. 1 senior citizen and 2 women are travelling. 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
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Her post got various kinds of mixed responses
In no time, Nidhi’s post went viral and got numerous responses. While some are taking her side, others are blaming her for booking tickets for the senior citizen quota. Have a look at some of the responses:
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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
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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
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How did railways react to the incident?
Upon seeing the matter getting bigger, the official Twitter account of Indian Railways reacted to the incident. They shared their perspective on how she got upper berths for senior citizens. Replying to Nidhi, Railway Sewa wrote,
“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. It is, however, subject to availability of such lower berths at the time of booking.”
It is, however, subject to availability of such lower berths at the time of booking. (2/4)
— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) September 18, 2024
They added,
“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. 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.”
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
What do you think about this incident? Do, share your thoughts with us in the comment section of this article.
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