Indian Railway Rules

We often travel via trains given that it's a convenient and comfortable mode of transport for many people. But do you know anything more about the Indian Railways except that people can book travel tickets from one place to another? There is no denying the fact that online apps like Trainman can now offer more features and information than expected. For example, the Trainman app allows passengers to know the live train running status , seat availability, fares, and others. But more than anything else, one must be first aware of the Indian Railways rules. Read on to find seven important rules that should concern every train traveller in India:

1. Rule 1: Tatkal Ticket Refunds
   Help you realize last minute travelling plans, the tatkal tickets are the best option while you are in a hurry. New Railway rules introduced this rule of getting refunds on your tatkal tickets. You can claim refunds if your train is delayed, followed a different route, or missed your designated boarding station. Due to any technical or natural issues, if a train is short-terminated, you can rightfully ask for the refunds of the full fare paid for the journey.



2. Rule 2: Catch the Train or the Refund
   Oh no! Did you miss your train? Instead of feeling sad and making a U-turn, try to catch the train at the next station. Why the next station? Because a TTE cannot allocate your berth to any other passenger till the train crosses next station. Amazing, right? Or, even before completion of an hour after moving from the designated boarding station (whichever falls early). After passing next station, TTE can allocate your seat to the next passenger from the RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) list.



3. Rule 3: Rule for the Middle Berth
   There are fixed sleeping hours for train passengers especially if you occupy the middle berth. Its 10 PM to 6 AM after which the berth must be lowered to offer smooth seating for other passengers too.
   Note: It’s an offence to keep the middle berth up during the day.






4. Rule 4: Toilets for the Engine Drivers
   In early days there were no access of toilets for loco drivers, but thanks to our former Railway Minister and officials, this facility has been started in a couple of trains which will extend to all other trains over a period of time. Although as a safety measure, toilet cabin door will open only when the locomotive is stationary and loco brakes are in applied condition which means the driver cannot access the toilet cabin if the train is in running mode.

5. Rule 5: Rule on The Eatery
   The eatables offered by Railway is a vital part of a passenger’s journey. And, there is the rule for the packed food items and bottles of water; food vendors authorized by IRCTC need to follow the Railways Act of 1989 which restricts them to sell products over the MRP. For registering any complaints related to food, you can dial the toll-free number of Railways- 1800111321.



6. Rule 6: Pay Extra to Reach Destination Stations in Peak Seasons
   The peak seasons for trains expect a lot of bookings and urgency. Not many know that if there is any vacant berth in upper class, passengers can pay extra fare (Difference in fare of lower and of upper class) to the TTE and get that berth.

7. Rule 7: Apply for a Duplicate Ticket
   If you have lost your ticket by chance, you need to write an application to the Chief Reservation Supervisor for getting a duplicate ticket. Note that, it will be approved only until 24 hours before the start of the train. You need to provide the nominal charges for the process. In case you find the original ticket, you can claim for the refund provided that you show both the tickets to the supervisor.

Be smart, be intelligent, be informed - Tony Allasandra
Being aware of the Indian Railways rules, you can now take the right decisions that are valuable during planning or travelling via trains in India.