Berth Allotment in First AC.
I recently booked two First AC Tickets. While the tickets were confirmed, no berths were allotted. There was no provision to book a coupe. We are senior citizens and wanted a peaceful, undisturbed journey. For this, we paid the highest fare on the route, and that too four months in advance. While other lower classes confirm berth and coach no, no such provision is made in the first AC. Strange !! Even, airlines confirm seat nos when the tickets are booked.
The reason I understand is, that at the time of alloting berths before the train departure, choice berths and coupes are first allotted to Railway Officials and politicians, and then only the remaining berths are allotted to the common man. This age-old system must be replaced by the first cum first served system.
Yes, you are right.
Jul 26
Crux of the problem is , unlike birth allotment in other classes, 1st AC birth/coupe allottments are done manually and hence the scope for feudalistic ( to be read as 'discretionary') actions. Suggest :1st AC Class birth/coupe allotments must be done strictly on 'First Come First Served' basis, and not more than 20% of the available accomodation in 1AC Class can be earmarked for Politicians/Railway Officials ( use of 'VIP' term is prohibited, since 'VIP Culture' is said to have been abolished).
Jul 22
There must be no blocked-reservations for Railways officials and politicians. The reservation system must allot on first-come-first basis. If the officials decide to travel after all reservations are made, they have to travel with alternate options, such as planes, cars, buses, etc. including changing their schedules. Else, they have to plan very early to secure their reservations, and not bump already allotted reservations. Whose convenience is IR for? For general public only, and ONLY.
Jul 22
Unfortunate that "This issue discussed several times, including the cost for SC". Hopefully it should reach the PM office for redressal
Jul 22
Would humbly suggest to register a complaint with all the details and provide your suggestion probably to reserve one coupe for Railways use and rest of the coupe to public. If there is only one coupe in a train then it should be given to public. Worst case if there is urgency then probably higher officials / politicians for security reason can reserve all the 4 seats in AC and they can travel. This way both higher official/politician security is taken care and also public is given chance to reserve coupe. Just a thought.
Jul 22