(a) whether there is any provision to allot lower berths to the senior citizens;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Railways are aware that lower berths are not being allotted to the senior
citizens particularly in the long distance trains; and
(d) if so, the corrective steps being taken by the Railways in this regard ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R.VELU)
(a) to (c) : Yes, Sir. A pre-defined logic in reservation system allots lower berths to senior
citizens automatically depending upon availability at the time of booking. In addition,
instructions also exist for allotment of lower berths falling vacant in the train due to
non-turning up of passengers, to senior citizens by Train conductor/ Train Ticket
Examiner (TTE) on first-come-first served basis.
(d) A decision has been taken to earmark a quota of adequate berths in Air Conditioned
and Sleeper Classes for senior citizens & women above the age of 45, travelling alone.