Established 177 years ago, the Indian Railways stands as one of the world’s most extensive rail networks, spanning over 68,000 kilometers across the country. With a daily ridership of approximately 23 million passengers, the railways play a crucial role in facilitating travel throughout India.
To ensure seamless travel, it is imperative for passengers to acquaint themselves with key rules outlined by the Indian Railways.
- Pulling the Alarm Chain: Emergency alarm chains, noticeable near each coach door, serve a critical purpose. However, according to Indian railway regulations, passengers should only activate the alarm in genuine emergencies such as medical crises, threats to safety, accidents, or instances where a child, elderly person, disabled individual, or their companion has missed the train.
- Extending Your Journey: When faced with unavailability of tickets for their intended destination during peak seasons, passengers can still secure a reservation for a different destination and subsequently extend their journey by approaching the Train Ticket Examiner (TTE) and paying an additional fare. The TTE can issue a ticket for the onward journey, though the seat may vary.
- The Middle-Berth Rule: A crucial rule governs the use of middle berths in Indian Railways trains, positioned between upper and lower berths. Passengers are prohibited from folding down the middle berth during the day, as the upper and lower berths serve as seats. Sleeping on the middle berth is only allowed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and exceeding this timeframe may prompt intervention from the lower berth passenger.
- Two-Stops Rule for Missed Trains: In cases where passengers miss their original boarding station, the Two-Stops rule stipulates that the ticket collector cannot transfer the seat to another passenger until at least an hour has passed or the train has covered the next two stops in its overall journey.
- Quiet Hours After 10 p.m.: To enhance the overall travel experience, passengers are not to be disturbed after 10 p.m. Lights in the coach, excluding night lights, must be switched off, and ticket checks by the TTE must be completed before this time. Furthermore, no food service is permitted after 10 p.m.
- Fixed Prices for Packaged Food: Distinct from other modes of transportation, Indian Railways enforces fixed pricing for packaged food items, preventing overcharging and ensuring product quality. Vendors engaging in unethical practices risk substantial penalties or license cancellation upon reported violations.
- Noise Restrictions: Passengers are expected to maintain low noise levels during their journey. Whether watching videos, listening to music, or engaging in phone calls, individuals should use headphones and exercise discretion to avoid disturbing fellow passengers. Railway personnel, including the on-board Travelling Ticket Examiner and catering staff, play a role in guiding passengers to adhere to these rules and foster a peaceful travel environment.
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