IRCTC: If you often travel by train and face common problems like being harassed by fellow passengers, keeping lights on all night, listening to music on the speaker, then you will no longer have to face these problems. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced new guidelines for passengers traveling by night train. These new guidelines have been introduced to ensure the convenience of all passengers. Passengers traveling by train after 10 pm should keep the following guidelines in mind.
Railway rules for night travel
- No passenger is allowed to talk loudly on a mobile phone in the train (unless the noise causes disturbance to others).
- Do not listen to loud music without earphones while traveling in the train.
- Commuters are not allowed to switch on their lights after 10 pm.
- There should be no smoking, consumption of alcohol or anti-people activities in the train.
- Carrying flammable items is not allowed in the train and is against Indian Railways rules.
- Passengers traveling in group trains should not talk loudly after 10 pm.
- Serving food in the train is not allowed after 10 pm. However, passengers can pre-order their meals or snacks through e-Catering services while on the train.
- Middle berth passengers can use their seats from 10 pm to 6 am if they wish to lie down, lower berth passengers are not allowed to lie down.
Rules for railway employees
- Travel Ticket Examiner (DTE) will not be allowed to come to check the tickets of passengers after 10 pm.
- Railway staff should be present at night if a passenger complains about another passenger.
- If passengers miss the train, the TTE can allot their seats to other passengers only after an hour or after crossing the next two stations.
What will happen if passengers do not follow the rules?
- Strict action will be taken against those who do not follow the new rules of IRCTC.
- Although these new guidelines will help you have a comfortable train journey in the coming days, it will be a bit difficult for some.
For safe night travel by train
- We often remain lost in our phones and oblivious to everything happening around us. You may enjoy long train journeys, but be aware of what is happening around you. Keep your belongings safe to avoid theft.
- Talk to fellow passengers to avoid fights in the train. However, do not give out your personal information.
- If you are a woman who often travels alone, feel unsafe while traveling by train or experience sexual harassment, contact a train ticket inspector.
