Many passengers often face arguments over seat usage during train journeys. To avoid such conflicts, Indian Railways has set clear rules regarding when passengers can sleep or sit on their assigned berths. These guidelines ensure a comfortable trip for everyone in reserved coaches.
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What are the official timings for sleeping and sitting
According to railway rules, the time for sleeping in reserved coaches is from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. During this window, passengers can use their assigned berths for sleep. From 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the seats are meant for sitting. During the day, passengers of lower, middle, and upper berths share the lower berth for sitting.
What are the specific rules for different berths
| Berth Type | Day Rule (6 AM – 10 PM) | Night Rule (10 PM – 6 AM) |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Berth | Must be kept folded up | Can be opened for sleeping |
| Upper Berth | Can be used for resting/sleeping | Can be used for sleeping |
| Lower Berth | Shared by all passengers for sitting | Exclusive right of the reserved passenger |
Priority for lower berths is given to senior citizens, pregnant women, and women over 45 years of age, depending on availability. The TTE has the authority to intervene in disputes and allocate empty lower berths to eligible passengers during the journey.
Important updates and penalties
These rules are mentioned in the Railway Board Commercial Circular No. 60 (2017). Passengers who do not follow these guidelines may have to pay a fine. Additionally, the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) has been reduced from 120 days to 60 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can middle berth passengers sleep during the day?
No, middle berths must be kept folded from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM so that other passengers can sit on the lower berth.
Who has the right to the lower berth at night?
From 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, the lower berth belongs exclusively to the passenger whose name is reserved for that seat.
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