Indian Railways Rules: If you are a senior citizen and frequently encounter the problem of not getting a lower berth while traveling by train, this information can prove extremely useful. Recently, a video of a TTE on the Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express went viral on social media, in which he explained why many senior citizens are unable to get lower berths despite being eligible. This video clears up the misunderstanding among senior citizens and explains the actual rules of the railway booking system.
Don’t make this mistake when booking tickets
The TTE reported that four senior citizens were traveling on the train, but none of them got a lower berth. They asked how this was possible. The TTE explained that if a senior citizen wishes to avail of a lower berth, a maximum of two passengers should be booked on a single ticket. If more than two people are added to the same PNR, the system considers that ticket to be under the general quota, reducing the chances of getting a lower berth.
Important and useful train ticket booking hack… if you are senior citizen
Kudos to this TTE for calmly explaining this, He deserves a raise @RailwaySeva @AshwiniVaishnaw pic.twitter.com/l5VJwATRKR
— Woke Eminent (@WokePandemic) November 10, 2025
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How Railways Allot Lower Berths
Indian Railways’ reservation system automatically allocates lower berths to senior citizens and women passengers on a priority basis. This is possible only when one or two senior citizens are traveling together and their tickets are on the same PNR. However, once the number of passengers exceeds two, the system works differently and does not apply the special quota to that booking.
Who Are Lower Berths Reserved For?
According to the Railways, 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, pregnant women, and women over 45 years of age. Suburban trains also have special seats reserved for senior citizens. However, berth allocation always depends on availability, and lower berths are available only after following the correct ticket booking procedure.
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IRCTC’s official response
IRCTC also stated on this issue that the lower berth facility is applicable only if men aged 60 years or older, or women aged 45 years or older, are traveling alone or in a group of two. If a senior citizen is traveling with a non-senior person, or if more than two senior citizens are paired on a single ticket, the system does not consider the special quota.