Different Classes in Indian Railways

Dec 22
04:39

2016

Yamin Raj

Yamin Raj

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The various classes of accommodation differ in terms of passenger density, comfort and the toilets. The cheaper the ticket, the more crowded the carriage, the harder the seats/berths, and the dirtier the toilets.

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In every passenger-carrying train,Different Classes in Indian Railways Articles one compartment of the lowest class of accommodation is supposed to be reserved for ladies. However, in many cases the ladies' compartment has hard wooden seats even when the other carriages of the same class have nice padded ones, so this choice isn't always a pleasant one.

A word about the toilets: there is usually at least one Western toilet in each AC carriage, though most are of the Indian squat type. The cleanliness of the toilets decreases rapidly in the more crowded classes, and they are apt to be increasingly wet and slippery. The Western ones in lA or 2A tend to be OK, but otherwise you are usually better off with the Indian style ones. Using them is a bit of an art, however, due to the wobbling and lurching of the train and the slippery floor, and you'll really need to hold on to the handrail. Don't use these toilets with your wallet, glasses or other valuables in your pocket because if anything falls out, it's gone for good. The toilet is definitely not the place to fuss with contact lenses, either. The toilets empty directly onto the tracks, so avoid using them while the train is stopped at a station.

AC Chair Car (CC). AC Chair Car class is available on short-haul daytime trains (particular the Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi trains) The seats, which are arranged three on one side of the aisle and two on the other, are fairly comfortable they recline. Tea, coffee meals and mineral water are included on the Shatabdi trains. Sometimes there is a loud music, but they'll often lower the volume if you ask. The Jan Shatabdi is similar to the Shatabdi, except that there is a little less legroom and meals are not served, so the tickets are considerably cheaper. Also, instead of ECC, the Jan Shatabdi has a non-AC chair car that is cheap and has non-reclining seats. The Jan Shatabdi is often more convenient for people on a relaxed schedule, as the Shatabdi is scheduled to accommodate business travelers.

Executive Class AC Chair Car (ECC). Shatabdi trains have an ECC class, which has wider, plusher seats (2x2 instead of 3x2) that recline much farther, with more legroom and fancier meals.

First AC (1A or JAC). First AC is the most expensive class and is available only on important long-haul trains. Reservations are mandatory. Compartments have either two berths (up and down) or four (two up and two down). They are pretty comfortable and often have carpeting on the floors. The berths are wider, longer and softer than those of other classes (so they are especially good for larger people) and mostly have cloth upholstery instead of 1 vinyl. There is usually a sink in the cabin as well. Sheets, towels, pillows and blankets are provided. The compartments have doors that can be locked from the inside. On many trains, the doors can also be locked with a padlock from the outside, so you could all get off at a long stop without worrying about your luggage if your party is occupying the whole compartment.

lAC is an excellent option for women traveling alone because it is the most secure. You're traveling with a higher class of people in general so you are much less likely to have problems. Also, there are attendants in the car that you can call in case you need. Berths are not assigned until a few hours before the trains departs, though you can indicate your performance on the reservation from. When boarding, women can The TTE (conductor) to be in a compartment with other ladies or a family. The TTE will usually be quite accommodating, as the culture traditionally protects women in this way. If you do get in with all men, an upper berth is safest. If the train is not crowded, the TTE may sometimes give you a coupe (two-berth compartment) all to yourself.

On some trains, meals and bottled water are provided, but on others there is nothing. Sometimes there are even showers though these aren't particularly convenient and they don't come with hot water, except, perhaps, on a few special trains. Read more best option about  Palace on Wheels Tour by train and Indian Maharaja Train Tour