New Delhi: Indian Railways has updated the rule for middle berth travellers in AC and sleeper class coaches. These changes have been introduced keeping in mind passengers’ comfort and ensuring a smoother train journey. Middle berth passengers are required to open their berth and reinforce it with 2 slings attached to the steel frame that holds the berths in place. It is also required to be folded up once the journey is over or the passenger is done sleeping.
The amendment was made by the Indian Railways in a circular related to sleeping accommodation in the middle berths of 3-tier sleeper coaches via amendment to para 652 of the Indian Railways Commercial Manual, Volume -1.
Indian Railways middle berth rule
The Indian Railways has stipulated that passengers who have been assigned the middle berth in AC and sleeper coaches should only keep the berth opened during 10 pm to 6 am during train journeys. This comes down to 8 hours, compared to 9 hours earlier when the timing for the middle berth to remain open were 9 pm to 6 am.
The Indian Railways introduced the change citing passenger complaints in which it was found that lower berth passengers could not sit on their berth during the day. Going forward, lower berth passengers have the right to request a middle berth passenger to fold up their berth after 6 am.
Side lower berth sitting rules
The Indian Railways in a circular said that side lower berths are also meant to accommodate side upper berth passengers during the day. This also applies to passengers assigned the side berth for reservation against cancellation tickets. However, side upper berth passengers cannot sit on the side lower berth from 10 pm to 6 am.
The Indian Railways however urges passengers to make exceptions for persons in the following categories and allow them to sleep for longer:
Sick persons
Pregnant women
Persons with disability
Indian Railways middle berth rule: AC and sleeper class train passengers must know this rule for travel by railways if they have been allotted the middle berth. Biz News Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
