There are different types of seats on Indian trains. For example, you can travel in an AC coach or choose a sleeper coach. The price of your train tickets depends on the seat type. For example, the price of an AC berth in a train will be more than a sleeper berth. One should know about different types of seats and their properties on trains. Based on their preferences, they can select any seat on a train. Are you familiar with 2S in train? Read on to know more about 2S in train and its properties.
Understanding 2S in trains
2S in Indian Railways is known as the second seating class for passengers. 2S is a seating class in which the seats are in the form of benches. The seats in the 2S class can be joined or may have a little distance between them. Also, the seats of the 2S class may or may not possess a cushion. Many people book a 2S seat in train as this class comes under the reserved section. 2S class is the lowest reserved class in Indian trains and is also known as the second sitting class.
One should not confuse 2S with AC Chair Car in trains. AC Chair Car also offers seating facilities but with air conditioners in trains. 2S will not offer air conditioners to passengers. However, you will get other basic amenities while travelling in 2S class. The amenities available in 2S class are a charging point, toilet, reading light, fan, emergency exit window, etc. Some trains offer a 2S class with a small table for passengers. One should also not confuse 2S class with the general coaches on Indian trains.
2S class in booking
You have to pre-book your seat in 2S class. 2S seats are usually benches and can be booked online. A 2S seat in train will not offer sleeping facilities as it is only for seating. It is a good option for a short (4-5 hours) journey. For long journeys, you can book a sleeper/AC berth as you need some sleep. Usually, 2S coaches have seats in a 3*3 layout. Some 2S coaches can also have a seating arrangement of 3*2. Not all trains need to have a 2S coach. For example, ANVT Humsafar (12595) does not have a 2S coach. One can check for the 2S seat in train before travelling/booking.
Are 2S and general seating the same?
There is a difference between 2S class and general seating in trains. Although the seats may look similar in some trains, there is still a difference between 2S and general seating. Second seating in train is a reserved class, whereas general seating is an unreserved class. For example, when you book a general ticket for a train, you don’t get your seat number. You can sit anywhere in the general coaches if you have a general ticket. On the other hand, if you have booked a 2S seat in train, you will get a dedicated seat number. Only you are authorised to sit in your 2S seat in train as it is reserved. If you have to travel a long distance, you should avoid travelling in general class as it may get crowded.
What is the fare of the 2S class?
2S seating has the lowest fare among all the reserved classes in trains. For example, the average fare of sleeper seats from Delhi to Lucknow can be around INR 350, whereas 2S seating tickets will be around INR 175. One can check the 2S seating price for any train via an online ticketing platform. For short distances, 2S seats are preferred by passengers. Book your 2S seat in train right away!