Senior Citizens, Book Smart: How to Secure Lower Berths on Indian Trains

New Delhi, November 11, 2025 A viral video from the Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express is helping senior citizens navigate a common confusion: why lower berths aren’t always allotted to them even under the senior citizen quota. In the clip, a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) explains the rules clearly, shedding light on a simple booking mistake many make. The TTE shared an example of four senior passengers on a single ticket. Despite qualifying for the quota, none were assigned lower berths—they got middle and upper berths instead. The reason? Indian Railways’ Passenger Reservation System prioritizes lower berths only for senior citizens traveling alone or with just one other senior citizen per ticket. Booking more than two passengers together or mixing senior and non-senior passengers automatically moves the booking under the general quota, reducing the chance of securing a lower berth. IRCTC has clarified that lower berth or senior citizen quota berths are reserved for men aged 60 and above and women aged 45 and above. If a senior citizen travels with more than one senior passenger or a non-senior, the quota benefits do not apply. In each train coach, several lower berths are reserved for senior citizens and women above 45: six to seven in Sleeper Class, four to five in AC 3-tier, and three to four in AC 2-tier. Suburban trains also reserve at least seven seats for senior citizens in first and last second-class general compartments. Passengers do not need to show proof of age while booking, but they must carry valid age identification while traveling and present it if requested. This video has gone viral because it provides a practical, easy-to-follow tip for senior citizens to plan train travel more effectively. By keeping these rules in mind, older passengers can increase their chances of enjoying the comfort of lower berths on Indian Senior Citizens, Book Smart: How to Secure Lower Berths on Indian Trains A viral video from the Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express is making senior citizens rethink how they book train tickets. Many face confusion over lower berth allotments under the senior citizen quota, and a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) has clarified the rules. In the clip, the TTE explained that four senior passengers on a single ticket were all given middle or upper berths instead of lower ones. The reason? Indian Railways prioritizes lower berths for senior citizens only when one or two are booked on the same ticket. Booking more than two or mixing senior and non-senior passengers pushes the reservation into the general quota, reducing the chance of a lower berth. IRCTC guidelines specify that lower berths are reserved for men aged 60+ and women aged 45+. If there are more than two senior passengers or non-senior passengers on the same ticket, the quota benefits are lost. Each coach reserves several lower berths: six to seven in Sleeper Class, four to five in AC 3-tier, and three to four in AC 2-tier. Suburban trains also reserve seven seats in first and last second-class compartments. Proof of age is not needed while booking, but passengers must carry valid ID while traveling. This simple tip is helping senior citizens plan better and ensures a more comfortable journey. Following these rules can make a big difference for those hoping to secure a lower berth.