Ever Noticed the Extra Flap on AC Train Berths? Here’s Why Indian Railways Designed It
If you often travel in air-conditioned train coaches, you may have noticed a curious extra flap attached to the berth. It partially covers the seat and is stitched into the upholstery. Most passengers have seen it countless times—but very few actually know what it is meant for. Recently, this overlooked feature sparked widespread curiosity online, prompting many travelers to finally ask: what exactly is the purpose of this extra flap?
A Small Design Detail That Caught Big Attention Online
The discussion around this seat flap began after a passenger shared a photo on a popular online forum dedicated to railway travel. The image showed the flap partially lifted, revealing a gap between the main seat fabric and an additional stitched layer. The user questioned why this design existed and what function it served. Soon after, several other passengers joined the conversation, admitting they had noticed the flap during their journeys but never understood its actual use.
This online discussion quickly gained traction, especially among frequent long-distance travelers, many of whom were surprised to learn that the flap serves a very practical purpose.
AC Coach Travel and Sleeping Comfort
In long-distance journeys, especially in 2AC and 3AC coaches, sleeping comfort plays a major role in the overall travel experience. To ensure passengers can rest properly, Indian Railways provides bedding that typically includes two bed sheets and one blanket. One bed sheet is meant to be spread directly on the berth, while the other is used for covering the body.
However, many travelers face a common problem: no matter how neatly the bed sheet is spread before sleeping, it often slips off the berth during the night. Frequent movement, turning while asleep, and the smooth surface of the seat contribute to this issue. As a result, passengers often wake up to find the sheet bunched up or hanging off the edge, forcing them to adjust it repeatedly.
The Real Purpose of the Extra Flap
The extra rexine flap attached to AC coach berths is specifically designed to solve this problem. Its primary function is to keep the bed sheet securely in place. Passengers can tuck the corners or edges of the bed sheet inside this flap, which helps prevent it from sliding off during sleep.
By holding the sheet firmly against the berth, the flap ensures that passengers remain comfortable throughout the night, even if they move frequently while sleeping. This small design feature significantly reduces disturbances and improves overall rest during long journeys.
Why Most Passengers Don’t Use It
Despite its usefulness, many travelers are unaware of how the flap works. Several users in the online discussion admitted that they had seen the flap many times but never thought it served a functional purpose. Some assumed it was merely part of the seat’s design, while others believed it had something to do with seat durability or upholstery support.
The conversation gained momentum after being shared on Reddit, where multiple users shared similar experiences of waking up in the middle of the night to fix their slipping bed sheets. Once the function of the flap was explained, many expressed surprise that such a simple solution had been right in front of them all along.
Designed for Long-Distance Passenger Comfort
Railway experts point out that AC coaches are primarily used for long-distance travel, where passenger comfort is a top priority. Features like clean bedding, curtains, reading lights, and this lesser-known seat flap are all part of a broader effort to improve the travel experience.
The flap may seem insignificant at first glance, but it reflects thoughtful design aimed at addressing a common inconvenience faced by passengers. By keeping bedding in place, it allows travelers to sleep uninterrupted, which is especially important on overnight journeys.
A Tip for Your Next Train Journey
The next time you travel in an AC coach, try using the extra flap correctly. Tuck the bed sheet edges into it before going to sleep, and you’ll likely notice a big difference in comfort. You won’t have to wake up repeatedly to adjust the sheet, and your sleep will be far more restful.
Sometimes, the most useful features are the ones we overlook. This simple flap is a reminder that small design details can make a big impact on travel comfort—once you know how to use them.
