Indian Railways has revised its rules regarding the use of sleeper berths on long-distance trains, aiming to enhance passenger comfort and reduce disputes. The new regulations limit the sleeping hours, reflecting a slight change to better accommodate the needs of all travellers.
Passengers can now occupy sleeper berths from 10 PM to 6 AM, reducing the previous 9-hour sleeping window by one hour. This change standardizes sleeping time across trains with sleeper arrangements, ensuring passengers vacate their berths by 6 AM.
The previous rule allowed passengers to sleep from 9 PM to 6 AM. The adjustment to a 10 PM start is intended to balance the comfort of those needing sleep with the convenience of those wishing to sit and use the lower berths during early evening hours.
This revision comes in response to frequent complaints from passengers on lower berths. They often reported difficulty in accessing their seats when middle berth passengers fell asleep early or slept past the designated time. The new rule aims to minimize such conflicts and ensure a more harmonious journey for everyone.
By implementing a fixed time for the opening and closing of middle berths, Indian Railways hopes to alleviate tension and improve the overall travel experience. The 10 PM to 6 AM window is considered optimal for sleep, aligning with typical resting hours.
Passengers are now required to adhere strictly to the designated sleeping times. The middle berth must be lowered by 6 AM, allowing lower berth passengers to use their seats for sitting. Compliance with this rule is mandatory, and passengers are expected to shift to the lower berth promptly at 6 AM. If passengers violate these rules, they could face actions, including complaints made against them to the railway authorities.
