A passenger’s seemingly routine complaint onboard the Pushpak Express has once again highlighted a problem faced by countless railway travelers that Indian Railways has not adequately addressed.
The passenger, traveling in Coach B2 on a confirmed Side Upper berth, requested immediate assistance after alleging that the occupant of the Side Lower berth refused to let him stay there during the daytime. The complaint alleges that the co-passenger engaged in a heated argument with him and maintained that he was unable to use the Side Lower berth, although both travelers were a part of the same side berth arrangement.
The dispute may seem trivial at first. However, for the millions of passengers who are assigned Side Upper accommodations annually, it is one of the most common and frustrating experiences in train travel.
The Pushpak Express incident is not simply the result of a dispute between two passengers. It emphasizes a systemic issue that has been described by various travelers as effectively converting passengers in Side Upper berths into second-class occupants of reserved carriages.
A Shared Seating Arrangement That Often Isn’t Shared
The design of side berths is the root of the fundamental issue. The Side Lower berth is designed to serve as a shared seating area for both the Side Lower and Side Upper passengers during the day. The arrangement is transformed into individual resting berths at night. In reality, however, many of the passengers in the Side Lower class regard the berth as their personal property for the duration of the journey.
This issue is particularly apparent in carriages that are equipped with air conditioning. After waking up, passengers leave blankets, sheets, and cushions scattered across the berth for the duration of the day. The berth typically remains in its resting configuration, rather than being converted back into a proper seating arrangement, even after the bedding is removed. Consequently, the Side Upper passenger is either unable to sit or is compelled to stand awkwardly on the berth’s edge.
Despite having a valid reservation, several travelers have reported being instructed to “sit elsewhere.” Others recount being compelled to stand in the corridors of their coaches, occupy the vestibules between coaches, search for vacant seats throughout the train, or retreat to their upper berth for extended periods.
The Side Upper Berth: The Most Cramped Space in the Coach
The situation worsens because the Side Upper berth is undoubtedly the least comfortable reserved berth in the majority of coaches.
Unlike the conventional upper berths, which are situated within the main compartment area, the Side Upper berth is located along the coach wall, beneath the curved roof section of the train. The available space is considerably more constrained. Movement is restricted, headroom is limited, and many passengers find it challenging to remain seated erect for lengthy periods.
The curved roofline pushes downward toward the berth, resulting in a sense of confinement and enclosure. In comparison to other berths, travelers typically characterize the space as narrow, isolated, and claustrophobic. Extended periods of time spent on a Side Upper berth can be particularly uncomfortable for taller passengers.
Some passengers have gone so far as to liken the experience to being enclosed in a coffin-like structure, with minimal space to move, surrounded by walls and barriers. These dramatic descriptions accurately capture the frustration of travelers forced to spend an entire day in a space meant for sleeping, not daytime living.
This is why the Side Lower seating area is accessible during the daytime, rather than simply for convenience. During a long voyage, it is often the only opportunity for a Side Upper passenger to sit comfortably, stretch, read, eat, work, or engage with their fellow travelers.
When Families Occupy the Entire Space
The situation is further complicated when the occupant of the Side Lower compartment is traveling with family members who have seats in other sections of the coach.
In many instances, the Side Lower berth serves as a focal point for the complete family. Sitting around the berth, relatives store their possessions, share meals, engage in conversations, and treat the area as a common seating area throughout the day.
The Side Upper passenger, who is usually an individual traveler or bachelor, is left with limited practical access to the seating area associated with his reservation, although this may seem natural from the family’s perspective.
Although they are legally entitled to sit, countless solo travelers report that social pressure makes it difficult to do so. Sitting among a group of family members can be unsettling, and attempts to assert one’s rights may result in uncomfortable exchanges or outright arguments. In essence, a single passenger who has purchased a Side Upper ticket may be denied access to the only daytime seating area that corresponds to their reservation.
A Problem Seen Across the Railway Network
Similar accounts are common in passenger forums, social media posts, and railway complaint portals. The widespread nature of these complaints indicates that the issue is not restricted to a specific region, train, or route. Instead, it seems to be a consistent aspect of long-distance rail travel throughout the nation.
Nevertheless, the matter is often neglected.
Enforcement remains inconsistent, although Traveling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) and onboard personnel have the ability to intervene in disputes. Some employees are proactive in resolving conflicts and guaranteeing that daytime seating arrangements are adhered to. Some individuals perceive the situation as a personal dispute between passengers and refrain from participating.
Why Indian Railways Needs Clearer Rules
Advocates for passenger rights contend that Indian Railways should take a more direct approach to the matter. Clear instructions regarding the sharing of daytime berths could be posted in carriages. Guidance regarding the intended usage of side berths may be incorporated into railway forms and reservation tickets.
During the day, onboard announcements could be used to remind passengers to roll up their bedding after awakening, convert berths back to seating mode, and guarantee that both passengers have access to the shared space.
These measures would not necessitate massive policy adjustments or costly infrastructure upgrades. However, they have the potential to considerably enhance the travel experience for a large number of passengers.
More than a Minor Dispute
The absurdity is that Indian Railways has made considerable investments in digital services, passenger amenities, upgraded stations, and modern coaches. Yet one of the most common sources of passenger dissatisfaction remains a simple question: where can a Side Upper passenger sit during the day?
Therefore, the complaint from the Pushpak Express should be considered more than a typical onboard dispute. It serves as a reminder that the convenience and dignity of rail travel are not solely contingent upon the presence of air conditioning, modern coaches, or onboard services. They are also influenced by how reasonably each passenger can use the space associated with their ticket.
The same arguments, exclusions, and discomfort that have become an accepted—but profoundly frustrating—part of train travel in India are likely to continue to be experienced by Side Upper berth passengers until clearer rules are communicated and consistently enforced.