Do you love train travel? Many people may have a lot of experience travelling by train. However, as the world’s largest railway network, railways are also the most popular mode of transportation in India. Indian Railways is well-known for its variety. Indian trains are designed to accommodate all types of passengers. VIPs prefer to travel in first class, while middle-class passengers prefer to travel in second class. These coaches each have their fare, and the comforts in each travel class will differ. You can use reliable online websites to book train tickets, and it is the easiest way of booking the tickets.In this post, you will look at the lists of travel classes on Indian railways:
Air-Conditioned Executive Chair Class
The air-conditioned executive chair class, also known as EC, is available only on a few express trains. It is one of the high-status and richest classes. The ticket price of this class is comparably similar to the domestic flight. Seats in the AC executive class are arranged in a 2+2 configuration across the carriage, providing adequate space and privacy. This AC executive class is favorite for many business travellers and it is perfect for journey lesser than five hours. If you need this class, try to book train tickets a little earlier. The entire carriage, including the restroom, is spotless. Each seat in this class has attached small folding table and a screen. Snacks and food are provided at no cost.
1A- First class AC
1A- First class AC, also known as AC Tier-1, is Indian Railways’ most expensive class. The cost of a 1A coach ticket is similar to the price of an airplane ticket. AC-1 coaches have eight cabins, while the half AC first-class coach has three. The coach has a crew to assist passengers. The rent includes the use of beds. These air-conditioned coaches, which can carry 10 or 18 passengers, are only available on popular routes. You should book train tickets of sleeper berths in AC Tier-1 coaches if you need the comfortable sleep like you get at your home.
2A – Two-Tier AC
This coach is next to the first-class AC. These air-conditioned coaches have eight sleeping bays. Berths are normally organised in two tiers in coves of six, four across the width of the coach and two longways on the further side of the corridor, along with curtains running the length of the corridor or gateway. The fare includes all bedding. A coach can seat 48 passengers, which is said to be the full coach or 20 passengers, which is said to be the partial coach or half coach.
3A – Three-tier AC
Each open-plan compartment has six berths: two lower berths, two middle berths, and two upper berths. There are also lower and upper berths on the opposed side of the compartment through the hall. It is different from the AC 2-tier class, as the AC 3-tier class absences curtains which are essential to separate the berths for privacy or secrecy reasons. Travellers can get a blanket, pillow, and sheet. Passengers can folded the middle birth without difficulties during morning time and they can sit on the lower berth, engaged by other passengers.
First-class
The same as 1AC, but without the air conditioning. This class does not have any bedding. There is one coach attendant on duty to assist passengers. This class has been completely phased out. This class is still used on heritage trains. In the 70s and 80s, this non-ac first class was popular among the politicians and VIPs and later, the introduction of AC coaches changed its popularity.
AC chair car (CC)
The air-conditioned seating configuration is 3+2 across the carriage. Passengers get the accessibility for this class at daytime and short-distance trains. It is a cost-effective and comfortable option for train trips lasting less than 5 hours. This coach contains bucket type seats like aircraft companies and is well-maintained by the Indian railways. If you want to hold your belongings or have a meal, you can use the small tables attached to the back of your front seat.
SL- sleeper class
Air conditioning is not available in the sleeper class. Aside from that, it is the same as the AC 3-tier class and many people’s favourite choices. As sheets and blankets are not provided, you can bring your sleeping bag. You can also request a bedding set at an additional cost. The passengers would fold up the middle berth at the day time and so they can use the lower berth. This class is idyllic for financially planned travellers who want to socialise with the locals. Enjoy the availability of Toilets at the ends of the carriage.
2S- Second Sitting
Second Sitting is the cheapest class of travel on Indian Railways, with ordinary coaches with cushioned seats in two rows of three seats each. In the LHB coach, there are 108 seats. But some people advised that it is better to avoid this class during the summertime. If you are looking for the low budget classes for the daytime intercity, then book train tickets of second sitting class.
2S – Unreserved or General class
This class is the least expensive. There are no reserved or designated seats. Furthermost 2S carriages have deficiency in covering and instead have a limited bars to avert passengers from turning in and out of the window. The general/unreserved class is always crowded, noisy, and stinky. Sometimes passengers can sit and even lie on the floor due to the absence of seats for them. Travellers feel stuffy and uncomfortable inside the train due to the absence of AC.
Wrapping it up:
So, these are the train travel classes on Indian railways. Choose any of these classes or coaches based on amount in your hand. It is good to learn about the classes and choose the best one because the comfort of your travel depends upon the traveller class you select. When your preference is a low budget, go for the general class and second Sitting. If you prefer to sleep, book the AC first class.
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