Indian Railways has provided many facilities to senior citizens for their comfortable travel. They also have the right to get lower berths in the train. If you keep some things in mind while booking, you can get lower berths confirmed for your elderly parents.
New Delhi. Indian Railways has made some special rules for reservation of lower berths for senior citizen passengers, so that men above 60 years of age and women above 45 years of age can travel easily. However, this facility is available only when the senior citizen is traveling alone or with a maximum of two people. If more than two people are traveling together, then reservation of lower berth is not available. Apart from this, if an elderly person has got an upper or middle berth and a seat is available, then the ticket checking staff can transfer them to the lower berth.
Following the right rules at the time of ticket booking during festivals increases the chances of getting a lower berth significantly. Many times people make mistakes unknowingly at the time of booking, due to which senior citizens are not able to get the right seat. It is very important to pay attention to some things while booking-
Use Senior Citizen Quota
While booking tickets, keep in mind that you are selecting the Senior Citizen Quota. This option is available on the IRCTC website or other online ticket booking platforms. Under this quota, the chances of elderly passengers getting lower berths increases.
What to do if you have to travel in a group
If the elderly are not traveling alone and other people are also traveling with them, then try to book their tickets separately. By doing this, the senior citizen is more likely to get a lower berth. If a senior citizen and other young passengers book tickets together, then the chances of getting a lower berth may be less.
Fill the age correctly at the time of booking
It is important to enter the correct age of the senior citizen while booking the ticket. If the wrong age is entered, the elderly will not get the benefit of senior citizen quota. This is a common mistake, which reduces the chances of getting a lower berth.
Ticket booking time and class
Trains are more crowded during festivals, so book tickets as early as possible. By booking tickets as soon as the reservation opens, you are more likely to get a confirmed berth, whether it is a lower berth or not.
It is a little easier to get a lower berth in sleeper class than in AC class, because the number of seats in sleeper class is more. So, if possible, book tickets in a class where availability of lower berths is more.
Why is it difficult to get a lower berth during festivals?
During the festive season, trains are overcrowded and getting a confirmed ticket becomes a challenge. For senior citizens, getting a lower berth becomes even more difficult as the number of passengers increases. During the festive season, one has to be more cautious than before while booking train tickets. Indian Railways keeps sharing such information from time to time, so that passengers can book tickets correctly and get a confirmed lower berth.
What facilities are available to senior citizens?
Indian Railways provides special facilities for senior citizen passengers, such as discounts on tickets and reservation of lower berths at the time of booking. It is ensured that they do not face any inconvenience during the journey. There is a possibility of getting a lower berth under the senior citizen quota, and this is especially beneficial for elderly passengers who are physically unable to board the upper or middle berth.
If an elderly passenger gets an upper or middle berth at the time of booking, there is no need to panic. One can try to get a lower berth with the help of the ticket checking staff in the train. Many times the seats are swapped and a lower berth is available. Apart from this, the railways also provides facilities like wheelchairs, ramps, and special counters at stations for elderly passengers, so that their journey can be comfortable.
