In a move to curb fights that often take place on trains due to oversleeping passengers in the middle and lower berths, the Indian Railways has cut down the official ‘sleeping time’ by one hour.

PTI reported that in an August 31 circular, the railway board said that passengers in reserved compartments can now sleep between 10pm and 6am so that others can sit on the seats during the rest of the day.

Prior to the reduced timing given in the new circular, the sleeping time was 9pm to 6am.

"Sleeping accommodation between 2200 hours and 0600 hours and sitting accommodation for the rest of the period is provided for the passengers in the reserved coaches having sleeping accommodation," the circular said, according to the PTI report.

It however asks passengers to cooperate with people who are sick, those with disability and pregnant women.

Anil Saxena, a ministry spokesperson, told the agency, "We had received feedback from officials regarding issues between passengers over sleeping arrangements. We already have a rule in place. However, we wanted to clarify it and ensure it is followed."

According to other officials, when it comes to side berths, the problem becomes worse.

The circular thus also mentions that a passenger who gets a side upper berth will have no claim to the side lower berth between 10pm and 6am.