Why did the issue of sleeping hours on trains (10 PM to 6 AM) reach the High Court?

The Madras High Court has upheld the railway's regulation regarding the use of sleeping berths on trains. According to this rule, passengers are permitted to sleep on their berths only between 10 PM and 6 AM.

People often choose to travel by train for long-distance journeys, as it allows them to sleep comfortably while traveling. If you travel by train, you are likely aware that there is a fixed timeframe for using a sleeping berth.

In other words, if you feel sleepy during the day, you cannot simply choose to sleep on your berth at any time. This is because if a passenger in a lower berth sleeps during the day, it prevents passengers in the middle and upper berths from having space to sit below.

This specific regulation became the subject of a case in the Madras High Court, which has now delivered a verdict. It is important to understand what the designated sleeping hours are on trains and how this matter ended up in the High Court.

During what hours can passengers sleep?

According to the guidelines, passengers on a train may sleep on their berths from 10 PM to 6 AM. Outside of these hours, passengers in lower berths are expected to sit. Let us now look at how this issue reached the High Court.

What is the case about?

The matter concerns an individual from Chennai who was traveling by train with his wife. During the journey, his wife fell ill, and as a result, she needed to remain lying on the sleeping berth even after 6 AM.

What happened next?

When the woman, due to her illness, wished to continue resting on the sleeping berth, the other passengers traveling with them did not grant permission for the berth to be used beyond the designated hours. Following this, the woman's husband challenged the railway's rule.

What did the man say?

The man argued that the railway manual contains special provisions for passengers such as pregnant women and those who are ill. However, availing these facilities might be difficult without the consent of other passengers traveling nearby. The matter subsequently reached the Madras High Court.

What did the High Court say?

The Madras High Court upheld the railway's rule and dismissed the appeal. The court stated that the time slots designated for the use of berths were established with the convenience of all passengers in mind.

Are special provisions available when needed?

The court further noted that the rule cannot be abolished based on a single incident. That said, special assistance can indeed be provided to pregnant women or passengers who are ill, should the need arise.

Important information for rail passengers

You may use your berth for sleeping only between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Outside of these hours, the berth must be used for sitting.
Additionally, a passenger with a middle berth is entitled to sit on the lower berth during the daytime.
If you fall ill while traveling on a train, inform the railway authorities about your situation.
If your fellow passengers do not cooperate, avoid getting into an argument; instead, reach out to the railway staff.