The computerized reservation system of Indian Railways provides for automatic allotment of lower berths to senior citizens and women passengers above 45 years of age, even if no option is given.
Traveling in a train is not easy for an elderly passenger. If an elderly passenger is allotted an upper berth in the train, then the difficulties increase. A Twitter user has sharply criticized the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) for facing similar difficulties. Along with this, the Twitter user asked IRCTC what kind of software is being used to allot berths to senior citizens.
What is the matter: Twitter user wrote – Two elderly women of my family, mother and grandmother have been allotted upper births. What kind of software are you using to generate the ticket? Will you be able to climb to the upper berth at the age of 70-80? The user further wrote that how will an old woman climb on her seat. How will a arthritis patient be able to climb to the upper berth? please give me answer! Is this your service to the public?
In response to the criticism of the Twitter user, a clarification has been given by IRCTC from the Twitter handle of the railway service. The computerized reservation system of Indian Railways provides for automatic allotment of lower berths to senior citizens and female passengers above the age of 45 years, even if no option is given, it said.
However, it depends on the lower berth available at the time of booking. It was further informed that the ticket checking staff are also authorized to allot lower berths to senior citizens on the basis of availability while traveling in trains.
