Railway new rules: What time can sleeper coach seats be converted to beds?

The Indian Railways has revised the rules regarding the usage of sleeper berths to accommodate the needs of all kinds of passengers. Although reserved train journeys are the safest mode of travel, they could be a nightmare in some instances, especially if you have unruly co-passengers. Those who regularly choose long-distance train journeys might have experienced countless incidents when other passengers take over their reserved seats. Meanwhile, a post has been doing the rounds on social media in which a train passenger narrates how he was troubled by a fellow passenger who argued that the person who reserved the side upper berth had no right to sit on the seat below. Can the passengers with reserved upper or middle berths sit on the seat? Having a fair idea about the Indian Railways’ rules regarding the sleeper berths would ensure a hassle-free and comfortable train journey.

The note on social media describes how a passenger had argued that both the side seats belonged to him. Interestingly, he claimed his ‘right’ only after 5 pm. The author of the post wonders what the exact time is when a passenger with sleeper tickets can occupy the berths.Hundreds of comments appear below this post that has become viral. The most popular among them is, “You shouldn’t get up even to go to the washroom until 9.59 pm.”

Sleep timings on trains
Indian Railway Commercial Manual Volume 1 Paragraph 652 explains that sleeping accommodation is between 10 pm and 6 am and the passenger can enjoy sitting accommodation for the rest of the period. Passengers with reserved side upper berths can also sit on the seat during that time. However, these passengers cannot sit on the seat from 10 pm to 6 am. Passengers with physical disabilities or pregnant women should be allowed more time to use the seats or berth.

Indian Railway implements certain rules that allow passengers to sleep comfortably after 10 pm. The TTE cannot check your tickets after 10 pm if you have boarded the train way before that. All other lights inside the train should be switched off at night except for the night lamps. Those travelling in groups are advised to keep their voices low so that their fellow passengers aren’t disturbed.

If you miss the train...
If you couldn't board the train from the reserved station, you could board from the next two stations. The TTE cannot allow your seats to other passengers until two stations after the reserved one. However, the TTE can allot your seat to another passenger with RC PNR status after the train has passed two stations after your reserved station.

It is possible to board the train even if your reserved ticket is on the waiting list. You must purchase the ticket from the PRS counter to do so. However, it is impossible if you have purchased an e-ticket online. After preparing the chart, the e-tickets on the waiting list would be refunded, so travelling with an e-ticket on the waiting list would be tantamount to travelling ticketless.

When to pull chain?
Many travellers face trouble after pulling the emergency chain in the trains. There are certain rules of chain pulling in case of any emergencies. The chain could be pulled if a child misses the train or the elderly or a person with physical disability requires more time to board the train. Passengers can pull the chain if there are any dangerous or emergency situations inside the train. Passengers travelling in AC coaches can carry up to 70 kilos of baggage, while only up to 40 kilos are allowed in sleeper coaches. Meanwhile, in the second class, you are allowed 35 kilos of baggage. However, you can carry up to 150 kilos in an AC coach, 80 kilos in the sleeper and 70 kilos in second-class sitting by paying additional luggage charges.