A discussion about senior citizens’ convenience during train travel has again come into highlight after a man questioned the Indian Railways’ berth allocation system. His father, aged 65, was given a side upper berth while younger co-passengers received lower seats. The issue quickly received attention online and even drew a response from RailwaySeva.
Passenger Raises Issue After His Father Gets Side Upper Berth
A user on X (formerly Twitter) shared that his father, a senior citizen, faced inconvenience because he was allotted a side upper berth on a long-distance train. According to him, two younger travellers in the same coach received lower berths, which raised questions about the algorithm used by the Railways.
Hello @RailMinIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw
This is honestly SHOCKINGMy 65-year-old father (senior citizen) was allotted a Side Upper berth on Train 12617, while in the same cabin, a young woman (early 20s) and a mid-40s male got the lower berths.
How does IRCTC’s seat-allocation… pic.twitter.com/M1fbBJaZyV
— A 🇮🇳 (@CatchMeAbhiOrb) November 25, 2025
The passenger mentioned that expecting elderly people to climb to upper berths is difficult and unsafe. His post reflected a concern that many families with senior citizens quietly deal with during train journeys.
Why The Passenger Questioned the Allotment System
The user said that giving a lower berth to elderly passengers should be a natural priority. Millions of bookings happen daily, so passengers expect the system to be more sensitive toward age-based requirements.
Dear sir, The allocation of berths is a fully automated process and takes place without any mannual intervention. However, you may kindly contact the on board TTE for necessary assistance in this matter
— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) November 25, 2025
He also posted a screenshot of the seat allotment, which showed that his father, despite being a senior citizen, was placed on the upper side berth.
RailwaySeva Responds – But Passenger Is Not Satisfied
RailwaySeva replied that the seat allocation process is “fully automated” and that there is no manual involvement. They suggested that the family could request help from the on-board TTE.
Dear sir, The allocation of berths is a fully automated process and takes place without any mannual intervention. However, you may kindly contact the on board TTE for necessary assistance in this matter
— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) November 25, 2025
However, this response did not satisfy the user. He pointed out that his question was about the automated algorithm itself, not about seeking help from the staff. According to him, the system should ensure that older passengers are not placed in uncomfortable or risky berths in the first place.
Discussion Expands As More Users Share Experiences
After the exchange, several social media users joined the discussion. Many shared similar experiences where senior citizens were assigned upper berths despite lower seats being available.
Some users defended the Railways, saying that booking options depend on quotas and real-time availability. Others insisted that IRCTC must update its system to give first preference to senior citizens automatically.
The overall public mood suggested that passengers want a more thoughtful and senior-friendly system.
Why This Issue Needs Attention
India has a large senior citizen population, and many of them travel long distances by train. Safety and comfort become important factors, especially for people with mobility issues, joint pain, or age-related difficulties.
A small change in the berth allocation system can make travel more secure and comfortable for older passengers. Railways already provides concessions and special quotas, but users believe the berth algorithm still needs improvement.
Conclusion
The incident has once again opened a wider discussion on how travel systems can become more age-friendly. While Indian Railways says the allocation is automated, passengers feel the system should prioritise the needs of senior citizens more effectively. The online debate highlights a simple expectation: elders should receive comfortable seating without needing to request or argue for it.
FAQs
Do senior citizens get special preference while booking train tickets?
Yes, Indian Railways offers senior citizen concessions and reserved quotas, but lower berth allotment is not always guaranteed.
Why do senior citizens still receive upper berths?
This often happens due to real-time availability, general quotas, or the automated system not prioritising age properly.
Can passengers request a lower berth after boarding?
Yes, the TTE can help adjust seats if lower berths are available or if another passenger agrees to exchange.
Is IRCTC planning to change its berth allocation system?
There is no official announcement, but discussions like these may push authorities to reconsider the current method.
What can families do if elders get an upper berth?
Passengers can talk to the TTE, request a swap from co-passengers, or book under special quotas when possible.