Who has the right to keep luggage under the lower berth in the train? What to do if the middle or upper level takes over? Know the official rules of Railways

One of the most common disputes while traveling in a sleeper, 3-tier AC or 2-tier AC coach of Indian Railways is—Luggage storage space under lower berth. It is often seen in long distance trains that middle or upper berth passengers stuff their big trolley bags, suitcases and sacks under the lower seat as soon as they board. When the lower seat passenger reaches his seat, he does not get any space to keep his luggage.

Often arguments and disputes start on the issue that “If the seat is mine then the place below will also be mine.” But does it really mean that the entire space below the lower berth is monopolized only by the lower berth passenger? The official commercial manual and luggage rules of Indian Railways make the position completely clear on this.

As per Indian Railways rules, in any coupe or compartment The space below the lower berth is not the personal property of any individual passenger.

• Shared Right: All three passengers occupying seats allotted in that particular bay—i.e. Lower (LB), Middle (MB) and Upper Berth (UB)—have equal and shared rights to carry their respective prescribed limits of baggage.

• Mutual consent and arrangement: Under the commercial rules of the Railways, it is expected that all three passengers keep their luggage arranged in such a way that it does not interfere with the feet of any other passenger and the passage remains completely open.

• If there is no space under the seat: If a passenger’s bag is too big and cannot fit under the seat, then it is mandatory to keep it safe on the overhead luggage rack built in the coach.

Passengers cannot carry unlimited luggage while traveling in the train. Railways has fixed the limit of free luggage allowance for each class:

If a passenger enters the coach with excess or oversized luggage (larger than 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm), it is mandatory to book it in the Luggage Brake Van. Fine can be imposed under Section 164 for keeping heavy and non-standard luggage in the coach.

If a co-passenger takes up space and negotiations do not resolve the issue, passengers may have the following legal options instead of litigating:

• Contact with On-Duty TTE: It is the duty of the TTE present in the coach to ensure proper adjustment of luggage among the passengers. If a passenger has more luggage than the limit, TTE can impose a penalty on him and get him shifted to the brake van.

• Rail Madad Helpline (139): Dial 139 immediately from your mobile or RailMadad Register your complaint by entering PNR on the app. Railway Protection Force (RPF) or train supervisor will reach the next major station and get the problem resolved.

• Penalty for blocking the road: According to the Railway Act, blocking the way by placing luggage in the aisle or door of the coach is punishable as it hinders the evacuation of passengers in case of emergency.