How to Get Side Lower Berth in Train: How to get side lower berth in train? Does something different have to be done for this? What are the options available to you in the IRCTC app to get your preferred seat while booking a ticket?
Train Ticket Seat Selection Tips: The real fun of traveling in a train comes when you get a seat near the window. If that seat is side lower, then the pleasure of the journey doubles. Sit comfortably and watch the outside view during the day and sleep without any disturbance at night. Most people think that getting a side lower seat is just a game of luck, but it is not so! There are some smart methods and booking rules on IRCTC app and website, which if used properly, significantly increases the chances of getting a side lower seat. Let us understand today in a simple way how you can get this favorite seat in your next journey…
Correct use of ‘Reservation Choice’ feature
When you fill passenger details on the IRCTC app or website, when you scroll down you get an option of ‘Other Preferences’ or ‘Reservation Choice’. People often move ahead without seeing this, whereas this is your biggest opportunity. While booking tickets, select Side Lower (SL) in ‘Berth Preference’. Just below this, there is a dropdown menu, in which it is written – ‘Book only if requested berth is allotted’ i.e. the ticket is booked only if the requested seat is available. If you select this, the system will try its best to get you the side lower. If it is not available, your ticket will not be booked and your money will be saved from getting stuck.
With the help of quota rules
According to the rules of Indian Railways, lower and side lower seats are reserved for certain people. This quota is for men above 60 years, women above 45 years and pregnant women. If you are booking tickets for your parents or grandparents, always choose ‘Ladies’ or ‘Senior Citizen’ quota instead of ‘General Quota’. On booking in this quota, the system first allots side lower and lower seats only.
Timing also makes a difference
Railway’s seat allotment software (algorithm) works in a special way. To maintain the balance of the train, he fills the middle seats of the coach first and gives priority to the lower seats. If you book a ticket 2-3 months before the date of journey (Advance Booking), the system immediately accepts the ‘Side Lower’ preference chosen by you due to the train being vacant. As seats fill up, the chances of getting a choice diminish.
Take advantage of vacant seats after chart preparation
Many times it happens that the side lower seats of Senior Citizen quota or VIP quota remain vacant till the last moment. When the first chart is prepared before the departure of the train, then go to the ‘Train Berth Availability’ or ‘Charts/Vacancy’ option on the IRCTC app. Here you will see which side lower seat is left vacant in which coach. You can book it immediately in your name through Current Booking.
Disclaimer: The information given in this article is based on the general rules and current features of IRCTC. The allotment of seats in a train completely depends on the software (algorithm) of Indian Railways and the availability of seats. Adopting these tricks can only increase the probability of getting a side lower seat, it is not a 100% legal guarantee of getting a seat. Keep an eye on the official website of Railways for changes in travel related rules.