Allotted a Middle Berth? Here’s How to Travel Comfortably
Anyone who’s booked a train ticket knows that tiny thrill when you finally see your seat number. But the excitement fades a bit when your eyes land on two words — Middle Berth. Many travelers sigh at that moment. Fair enough.
Although, the middle berth is not the most preferable seat option in Indian Railways, it isn’t that bad as well. With smart tricks and techniques you turn your situation around and even make this berth surprisingly comfortable.
Understanding the Middle Berth
The Middle Berth, as the name suggests, refers to the berth in between the middle and upper berths. Just like the seat, the passenger is also stuck in between these two seats.
During the Day Time, this seat remains folded and is used mostly as a back rest for the passengers. It is not the night time that everyone goes to sleep, that you can unfold your seat and use it as a bed to sleep. This becomes extremely uncomfortable if you are tired and want to rest during the day time.
You can bring a cushion, small pillow or even roll a jacket to support your back during a middle berth journey. It is not much but certainly better than having nothing to support your back.
Pack Light and Practical
Most of our discomfort in train travel comes from overpacking or mispacking. If you have a middle berth it is extra important that you travel light. At the night time you would be sleeping in your berth while your luggage would be most probably below the lower berth. This would mean your luggage would largely remain unattended.
Packing light enhances portability. Try keeping with you the basic requirements on the berth such as phone, earphones, bottle, some snacks and a comfortable cushion or pillow.
Choose loose fitting clothes who are soft and comfortable. Wearing clothes that are too tight can be extra troublesome for you.
Climb Without the Drama
If you’ve never climbed onto a middle berth before, it can look awkward — but you’ll get the hang of it. Use the ladder or grab the side handles. Just don’t step on someone else’s bed (that never goes well).
Before climbing up to your berth, make sure you have all the items you need on your berth. This is important as climbing up and down just because you forgot to carry something is greatly annoying.
Make Sure It’s Firm
Before you lie down, check if the berth is locked properly. Sometimes, the latch gets loose, and the berth wobbles when you move. In case the berth is not locked properly, consult the TTE and attendants immediately. They will soon arrive and fix the issue.
Once you are sure that the bed is table, it is time for you to stretch and relax. Your bed work is done.
Don’t Forget Basic Courtesy
Train journeys are shared experiences. If you’re eager to unfold your berth early, just ask the person below nicely. Most people are understanding. And in the morning, fold it back before heading out for chai. A bit of politeness makes travel easier for everyone.
Remember the timings set out by the Indian Railways for folding and unfolding of seats. Seats can be unfolded and used as a bed in between 10 PM to 06 AM during the night time. Beyond these hours the seat should be used as a cushion.
Plan Smart with RailMitra
RailMitra provides fast and informative services that make your journey well planned and comfortable. If you have received a middle berth seat and want to change your train, you can see available seats in the train using the train seat availability service.
If you booked another ticket and the status is not yet confirmed or you want to check the booking details and the seats you have been allocated, you can use RailMitra’s PNR Status lookup service. This service provides the real time PNR Status updated almost every minute.
If you are feeling sad on a middle berth, it is better to have something good to eat at least. RailMitra offers you the comfort of restaurant quality food in train served right on your seat.
Enjoy the Journey Anyway
We understand that no one likes the Middle Berth. However, often it is our thinking and point of view that makes our situation difficult.
Try to interact with the passengers sitting beside you during the day. Every human is a universe unto themselves, who knows what universe you might stumble into? You can also enjoy the gorgeous Indian landscape outside your train window.
Indian train travel is an experience that is made out of the people. Maybe your middle berth is an opportunity for you to connect with your surroundings and truly understand what an Indian train journey is all about.