If you travel by train often, this rule can make your journey much smoother.
Indian Railways has clearly defined when you can use the middle berth in reserved coaches.
These rules are designed to ensure comfort and fair space sharing among passengers, especially in crowded compartments.
When Can You Use the Middle Berth?
According to railway guidelines, the middle berth is meant only for sleeping at night.
You can use it between:
10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Outside these hours, the berth must remain folded.
This allows passengers on the lower berth to sit comfortably during the day.
The rule has also been highlighted by Southern Railway in its recent advisory.
Daytime Seating Rules You Must Follow
During the day, all passengers—whether they have lower, middle, or upper berths—share the seating space.
Keeping the middle berth open during daytime is not allowed if it blocks seating.
Folding it ensures that everyone gets enough space to sit and travel comfortably.
What If There Is a Dispute?
Sometimes, passengers may disagree about berth usage.
In such cases, the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) has the authority to enforce the rules.
Railways also advise passengers to be considerate.
If someone is elderly, unwell, or pregnant, co-passengers should cooperate and allow them extra rest when needed.
Why This Rule Matters
These guidelines help maintain a balance between comfortable sleeping at night and shared seating during the day.
By following these simple rules, passengers can avoid conflicts and enjoy a more peaceful journey.
Summary:
Indian Railways allows the use of the middle berth only between 10 PM and 6 AM
During the day, it must remain folded to ensure proper seating for all passengers.
These rules aim to improve comfort and reduce disputes during train travel.
