What is the Middle Berth Rule?
The middle berth rule refers to the allocation of berths in a train’s sleeper class. According to this rule, the middle berth in a coach assigned to more than two passengers shall be allocated to passengers who must share the space. When one or two passengers are booked on the side lower berth, the middle berth shall remain reserved. Additionally, when one passenger has been booked on the side upper and one on the side lower berths, the middle berth shall remain reserved. This rule is applied to ensure comfortable and equitable allocation of berths to passengers traveling in sleeper class coaches.
FAQs About the Middle Berth Rule
1. What if I need to travel alone in a coach with three berths?
If you are traveling alone in a coach with three berths, the middle berth will remain reserved. This means you will have the option to book either the side upper or the side lower berth, and will not need to share your space with other passengers.
2. Can the middle berth be allocated to passengers in an emergency situation?
According to the middle berth rule, the middle berth can be allocated to passengers in an emergency situation only if all other berths have been occupied, and if the allotment will not cause any inconvenience to the passengers already allotted to these berths.
3. Are there any exceptions to the middle berth rule?
The middle berth rule applies to the allocation of berths in sleeper class coaches in Indian trains. However, there may be exceptions in specific cases, such as for passengers with disabilities or medical conditions that require special accommodations.
4. What if I have booked the middle berth in advance?
If you have booked the middle berth in advance, the rest of the passengers booked in the same coach will be allocated the remaining berths according to the middle berth rule. You may need to share your space with other passengers as per the rule.
5. How is the middle berth allocated in a coach with five berths?
In a coach with five berths, the middle berth will be allocated when all other berths have been occupied by passengers booking side upper and side lower berths, or when three passengers are booked on the side lower berths.
