IRCTC - Allocation of seats to Senior Citizens and Parents carrying Infants

Since the onset of Achhe Din, I'm seeing an unique trend in berth allocation by IRCTC in the general quota. Irrespective of the number of seats available, only middle or upper births are mostly allocated. In the past 4 months I have travelled with my 2 yr old daughter and every time (2A / 3A) we were only allocated UB or SUB seats. I have booked the tickets 60 days in advance and I was the first to book the tickets.

I feel Govt wants to push people back to the old school of standing in line in the reservation counter. There is a good probability that one can get a desired berth allocated at the reservation counter than through IRCTC.

Is it so difficult for someone to write the software code, to consider the details of the passengers in allocating the berths?

Today, I have booked tickets to my senior citizen parents for 3 different trains. In all the 3 trains even when the available tickets are above 100, yet IRCTC has allocated only MB and UBs.

If I buy the tickets through Tatkal, certainly the LB are available. Most often people in 20s or 30s are allocated the LBs.

Shouldn't there be a rational in allocating the berths based on the special needs of certain categories of people - senior citizens, people with infants etc?

If Govt wants to make more money by selling the LB at a premium, why IRCTC doesnot communicate in a transparent way? If a passenger is willing to pay the premium for the LB, let him pay.

Else, Govt should allocate seats with consideration for age of the travellers, if they carry infants or some one with special needs etc. more  

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I am Lucknow. and every time I come to station on a Riksha (3 wheeler hand pulled cycle) I am stopped by the police/constable or even sub Inspector at the entrance of the Gate and dthis gate is 500 mts away from the Railways Steps. Now how can I walk with 2 pcs of luggage at eh age of 70 (well I can but is it necessary) The constable doesnt even consider a request from a senior citizen !! Is it a Hegemony of police? or just in the name of duty they ignore a real issue. I just resent this attitude. What can be dont ???? more  
Yes, the Railway computers are working as per their own sweet will. Age factor is not at all considered in direct booking. Yes, of course, if a broker is providing tickets to you, he will manage the show. Being senior citizen, I tried to book my seat in 2AC Rajdhani - From Nizamuddin to Secundrabad, but the allotment given to me was upper birth. Why a common man is always a sufferer? Let me see what sort of catering services the railways will provide this time? However, for your information, I have records of complaints, but nothing has happened. Just a letter from the railways serve the purpose with a comment, "We are taking necessary action on your complaint and revert back to you." That's all. No reply, No action.... more  
Not to any offence, but there is a system placed in IRCTC while booking to give berth preference and further if u scroll down there is one option which if u select then IRCTC will book berth if only selected berth is available. The main problem here I feel is quota seats and tatkal seats prior allotment. IRCTC should only block no of seats for quota/tatkal and not Lower berths more  
Yes, the Railway computers are working as per their own sweetwill. Being senior citizen, I tried to book my seat in 2AC Rajdhani - From Nizamudding to Secundrabad, but the allotment was given to me was on the upper birth. more  
i feel that some lines should be printed on the ticket stating that please allow senior citizens to sit on Lower berth and don't expect lower berth if you are young and does not require it. It is noticed that many people feel prestige in getting the lower berth. Further it should also be printed on the tickets that your lower berth is for sleeping at night and not during day journey please allow the passengers having upper berth to sit on the Lower berth during day journey more  
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