The TTE's Tip
The video, originally shared on X (formerly Twitter), featured a TTE explaining a workaround to help senior citizens obtain lower berths. The core suggestion
was straightforward: when booking tickets, particularly for multiple senior citizens, it's best to split the bookings. The TTE advised that if a group consisted of four senior citizens, they should ideally book two separate tickets, each for two people. This strategy increases the likelihood of securing lower berths, as the IRCTC system appears to prioritize lower berth allocation for smaller groups. The TTE mentioned that if three or four seniors booked on the same ticket, the lower berth benefit wasn't automatically available. The video was recorded on the Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express and has since gone viral, prompting wider discussion about the current train booking system and its features.
IRCTC's Current Rules
Currently, the IRCTC system allows certain passengers to get lower berths on a priority basis, based on availability. This group includes senior citizens, women over the age of 45, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities. The option to 'Book only if lower berth is available' is also available, which allows travelers to ensure they only get a booking if a lower berth is available. However, the system's allocation algorithm has spurred some debate. One user commented that such a system can be a problem for families traveling together because it might separate them. This sparked discussion about improving the system to allow users to choose their preferred berths, similar to how it works in flights. Many viewers expressed frustration over the booking system and its limitations, especially for those traveling in groups.
Public Reactions Emerge
The online response to the video and the TTE's hack was mixed, with many users questioning the booking system's design. Some users found the suggestion to split bookings to be an inefficient solution, given that it could lead to family members being seated separately. Many raised the need for system improvements. Some people suggested that senior citizens should automatically be assigned lower berths, irrespective of the group size. Others suggested the IRCTC should offer a more user-friendly interface like airlines to let passengers select seats. The video generated a debate about the user-friendliness of IRCTC and how to enhance the experience for senior citizens and other priority groups to make their train journeys easier.
