Who gets the lower berth in a train?
Lower berths are allotted automatically to senior citizens and to women travelling alone, where available.
The rule
If the system did not give you one at booking, the TTE can reallocate on board when a lower berth falls vacant. Ask — this is a standing instruction, not a favour.
Other rules at this stage
Your seat, your neighbours, and what the TTE can and cannot do.
Your berth is held for a while if you are late
If you miss your boarding station, your berth is not handed to a waitlisted passenger immediately.
The middle berth comes down at 10 PM
A middle berth may be kept open for sleeping only between 10 PM and 6 AM. Outside those hours it stays folded.
Your allotted berth is yours
Nobody may occupy your reserved berth, including waitlisted or RAC passengers, unless the TTE has reallocated it.
The alarm chain is for emergencies only
Pulling the chain without a proper reason is a criminal offence, not a fine you shrug off.
₹1,000, up to 1 year in prison
Questions
Who gets the lower berth in a train?
Lower berths are allotted automatically to senior citizens and to women travelling alone, where available. If the system did not give you one at booking, the TTE can reallocate on board when a lower berth falls vacant. Ask — this is a standing instruction, not a favour.
See the rules that apply to you
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