What is the real rule of keeping luggage under the lower berth in the train? Indian Railways Luggage Rule

While traveling by Indian Railways, there are often heated arguments and disputes among passengers regarding keeping luggage under the lower berth in sleeper and AC coaches. Most of the passengers have a misconception that since they have a ticket for the lower seat, they have the exclusive right to the entire space below the seat. However, according to the official rules of Indian Railways, this perception is completely wrong. As per the clear guidelines of the Railway Board, the space below the lower berth is not the personal property of any individual passenger, but is a ‘shared space’ for all the passengers traveling in that compartment or bay.

Under railway rules, passengers of Lower Berth (LB), Middle Berth (MB) and Upper Berth (UB) allotted in the same cabin or compartment have equal right to keep the luggage under the seat. This simply means that a passenger in a lower berth cannot occupy the entire space below alone. Passengers traveling on middle and upper berths also have full legal and official permission to keep their bags and suitcases safely under the lower berth. All passengers are expected to arrange their luggage in such a manner that there is adequate space for the luggage of fellow passengers and the aisle of the coach is not obstructed.

Railways has fixed free luggage allowance and dimensions for every class during train travel. Railways may levy penalty or additional charges for carrying luggage in excess of the prescribed limit.

• AC First Class (1st AC): Luggage up to 70 kg per passenger is allowed free.

• AC 2-Tier (2AC): Luggage weighing up to 50 kg per passenger can be carried free of charge.

• AC 3-Tier and Chair Car (3AC/CC): Luggage up to 40 kg per passenger is allowed under free allowance.

• Sleeper Class: Passengers traveling in sleeper coach can carry luggage up to 40 kg without extra charge.

• Correct size of luggage: The size of personal luggage should be maximum 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm (length x width x height) so that it can easily fit under the seat.

Apart from keeping the luggage, there are many disagreements among the passengers regarding the time of sitting and sleeping during the journey in the railways. Railways has also set a deadline for:

• Scheduled time to sleep: The time fixed for sleeping is from 10:00 pm to 06:00 am. During this time, the middle berth passenger can open his seat and sleep.

• Time of day (right to sit): The middle berth has to be lowered from 06:00 am to 10:00 pm. During this time, middle and upper berth passengers can travel peacefully by sitting on the lower berth.

• Side Lower and Side Upper: If there are RAC passengers on side lower seat, they share the seat as per daytime rules.

If a co-passenger in the train forcibly prevents you from placing your luggage under the lower berth, misbehaves or occupies the seat unauthorizedly, use official channels instead of fighting the situation yourself:

• Contacting On-Duty TTE or Coach Attendant: Immediately inform the TTE of your coach. TTE will get proper distribution of space based on railway rules.

• RailMadad App: Register complaint online by entering PNR number through Rail Madad app in mobile. Immediate action is taken on this.

• Railway Helpline Number 139: Register your complaint by calling toll-free number 139 and quoting your train, coach and berth number, after which the RPF or railway staff at the next station reaches the spot and resolves it.