Indian Railways, one of the largest rail networks globally, serves millions of passengers daily. To ensure a smooth travel experience and efficient functioning of the rail system, several rules are in place. Whether you’re a frequent train traveler or planning your first journey, understanding these rules is essential. Let’s delve into the key regulations:
1. Loud Sound Rule: Keep It Down!
- This rule pertains to playing loud music and speaking loudly on mobile phones while onboard the train.
- Apart from the yellow colored night light, no passenger is allowed to keep any other big light on in the train after 10 pm.
- Indian Railways introduced this rule due to multiple complaints about passengers disturbing co-travelers with noisy phone conversations and music without earphones.
Why is it important?
- Maintaining public etiquette ensures a pleasant journey for everyone.
- Train Ticket Examiners (TTEs), catering staff, and other railway personnel are instructed to enforce this rule.
2. Luggage Rule: Pack Wisely
- Similar to flights, Indian Railways has luggage rules.
- Passengers traveling in different classes have specific weight limits for free luggage:
- AC coaches: Maximum 70 kg
- Sleeper class: 40 kg
- Second class: 35 kg
- Additional charges apply for excess luggage.
- Passengers are not allowed to carry any flammable or dangerous goods.
Why is it important?
- Adhering to luggage limits ensures safety and comfort for all passengers.
- Familiarize yourself with IRCTC’s detailed luggage rules to avoid surprises.
3. Middle Berth Rule: Sleep Smart
If you’re assigned a middle berth:
- You can occupy it only between 10 PM and 6 AM.
- Outside these hours, keep the berth down for your co-passenger with a lower berth.
- If fellow passengers occupy the lower berth beyond sleeping hours, politely request them to allow you to open up your berth.
Why is it important?
- Ensures proper rest for all passengers.
- Prevents unnecessary conflicts over berth usage.
4. Chain Pulling Rule: Handle with Care
- The alarm chain system in trains is for emergencies only.
- Pulling the chain without a valid reason is a legal offense.
- Valid reasons include:
- Companion, child, elderly, or disabled person missing the train.
- Accidents or other emergencies.
Why is it important?
- Misusing the chain can disrupt train schedules and cause inconvenience to other passengers.
- Use it responsibly and only when necessary.
5. Journey Extension Rule: Plan Ahead
- Sometimes passengers book tickets for stations before their desired deboarding point due to ticket availability or other reasons.
- If you miss your deboarding station, you can request the ticket collector to extend your journey.
- You may need to change seats and coaches based on berth availability.
Why is it important?
- Helps passengers adjust their travel plans without hassle.
- Avoids unnecessary stress during the journey.
Remember, these rules contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable train travel experience.
6. TTE cannot check tickets at night
- TTE cannot come to check the tickets of passengers after 10 pm.
- On-board TTEs (Travelling Ticket Examiners), catering staff and other railway personnel have also been asked to maintain public decorum in trains.
Why is it important?
- Passenger Rest and Privacy
- Passengers might feel uncomfortable or unsafe when approached by TTEs during odd hours.
- Late-night ticket checks could lead to unnecessary chaos or confrontations.
7. It is forbidden to carry these items
- During train journey, stove, gas cylinder, any kind of inflammable chemical, firecrackers, acid, smelly items, leather, oil, grease, ghee.
- It is a crime to carry such prohibited items during train travel.
- If you are carrying any of these prohibited items during your journey, then action can be taken against you under Section 164 of the Railway Act.
Why is it important?
- Such items whose bursting or dripping can cause damage to the items or passengers.
- Prohibiting these items ensures a smooth and incident-free journey for all travelers.
8. You can travel through platform ticket
- According to railway rules, if you do not have a reservation ticket and want to travel somewhere by train, then you can board the train by purchasing a platform ticket and then easily go to the ticket checker and get the ticket.
- For this, you take a platform ticket and immediately contact TTE, TTE will make a ticket till your destination.
Why is it important?
By facilitating last-minute travel, this rule accommodates emergencies, sudden plans, or unforeseen events.
