6 Indian Railways Night Rules: Silence, Berths, TTE Checks

– Advertisement –

The Night Shift: 6 Strict Indian Railways Rules You Can’t Ignore After 10 PM

Also Read | No Compromise: 9 Indian Railways Rules Every Passenger Needs to Know in 2025

Train travel is a huge part of life, but let’s be real—night travel is a different beast entirely. Between 10 PM and 6 AM, Indian Railways implements specific, strict rules designed to manage everything from your charging habits to where you sleep. Fail to follow them, and you might face inconvenience, a fine, or an unpleasant journey, or nothing.

Here are the six essential rules every passenger needs to know for a calm and comfortable night journey:

Also Read | No Compromise: 9 Indian Railways Rules Every Passenger Needs to Know in 2025

The Sleep and Silence Protocol

This is all about respecting co-passengers. The thing is, silence is mandatory.

1. The Middle Berth Rule is Sacred: This rule exists to prevent disputes. The middle berth holder may only open and use their berth between 10 PM and 6 AM. After 6 AM, it must be folded back up to provide proper seating for the lower berth occupant. Don’t be that person who leaves it down and causes a scene.

2. Silent Hours: After 10 PM, discipline takes over. Speaking loudly, playing music, or watching videos on a loudspeaker is strictly prohibited. This ensures a peaceful environment for everyone who is resting.

3. Lights Out: Only night lamps are permitted to be used after 10 PM. Keeping the main lights on is a violation designed to respect the privacy and rest of sleeping passengers.

Safety, Power, and the TTE

These rules target safety risks and ticketing management.

4. No Charging at Night: This is critical for safety. In many trains, charging points are switched off between 11 PM and 5 AM. This is done to drastically reduce the risk of short circuits and potential fire accidents at night. Charge your phone and power bank before 11 PM!

5. No Unauthorised Entry: Reserved coaches are locked down. Passengers with general or waiting-list tickets are not permitted to enter reserved compartments after 10 PM. Anyone in a reserved coach without a valid ticket may be fined or asked to deboard.

6. Ticket Check Restriction: Here’s the kicker for TTEs. If a passenger is already seated and sleeping before 10 PM, the TTE cannot wake them up after 10 PM to check their ticket. However, if you board the train after 10 PM, the TTE is allowed to inspect your ticket and ID. This is meant to ensure undisturbed rest for long-distance travellers.

These rules matter because when followed, they minimise disturbances, reduce safety risks, and make train travel for millions more organized……

Also Read | No Compromise: 9 Indian Railways Rules Every Passenger Needs to Know in 2025

---

Disclaimer: This information is based on the official night travel rules and guidelines provided by the Indian Railways, enforced between 10 PM and 6 AM.

– Advertisement –