Are you aware of the different types of train compartments in India? For example, do you know what 2A is on a train? Here is what you need to know about this type of compartment!
Indian Railways Coach Types
The compartments of the long-distance express trains of Indian Railways are of different types. Each of them will have a different set of facilities inside. Depending on the availability or non-availability, they are named differently, such as a First Class AC, Second Class AC, Third AC, First class, AC Chair car, sleeper class, general, etc. Among these, 2A is the Second Class AC compartment, the second-most luxurious compartment of the Indian Railways.
2A- Second Class AC Sleeper Class
The 2A compartment is the Second Class AC, simply 2A, AC 2 -Tier sleeper etc. Regardless of what people call this compartment, on the train, it will always be mentioned as 2A. It is the same while booking through IRCTC as well.
It is called the Second Class AC because it is the second-best luxurious coach and has only 2-tiers of berths on either side, as opposed to the usual 3 tiers that you see in the regular sleeper class. This AC compartment will also have additional berths on the passageway, making it a total of 6 berths or seats in a single bay or section. There will be 42 or 54 seats inside the 2A compartment. The actual number may vary, depending on the express train and its route.
All About 2A AC Sleeper Class
- First, 2A is an AC compartment, so you can expect the basic facilities such as a pillow, flat sheet, blankets, face towels, etc., provided for the passengers.
- The attendants in this compartment will be more attentive than in the next Third AC compartments. You may request an additional pillow, which will usually be fulfilled in no time.
- The windows will have curtains, and the entry to the compartments will have additional doors on either side.
- The berths will have more vertical space due to the absence of a third berth. It means that you may sit or lie down as needed.
- There are just one or two Second AC coaches on the express trains. But luxurious trains such as the Rajdhani Express will have five coaches named A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5.
- There is no food price added during the ticket reservation for 2A class. But you can make an online booking for meals, and they will serve them, or you may place the order once you have boarded the train.
- To keep your small belongings, a wall-mounted storage basket is also provided for each berth.
- Due to its luxurious nature, the Second Class AC Sleeper coach is placed right after the First Class AC coach or HA1, depending on the train.
- Second, AC coaches are positioned third or fourth from the nearest end.
- Second Class AC coaches will be less crowded than the Third AC, AC Chair Car and other coaches.
- Power sockets for recharging your devices is another facility you will see in 2A, but this is now a common facility for other coaches.
- Sometimes, 2A coaches are also named A1 and A2.
2A Vs Other Coaches
- 2A Vs 1A
As mentioned earlier, 2A train coach is one of the most luxurious coaches in express trains. The difference from the First Class AC is that the Second Class AC coach does not have cabins and also has additional side berths.
- 2A Vs 3A
While the 2A has six berths in each section or bay of the coach, the Third Class AC coach is just an upgrade from the regular sleeper class with additional facilities such as AC, pillows, blankets, and sheets. The provision of linens was stopped due to the pandemic, and it has resumed in most trains. But the face towels still need to be made available on many trains. The food served will be the same for both 2A and 3A coaches. 2A train coaches are always followed by the 3A classes which will be named B1, B2, B3, etc.
Takeaway Bedroll Kits!
The Indian Railways now provides a takeaway bedroll kit for passengers travelling in all AC sleeper coaches at INR 150 per passenger. You can book the bedroll through IRCTC by providing the PNR number. The equipment will have sheets, a blanket, and a face towel. At the time of deboarding, you can take the kit with you.
Conclusion
A 2A AC sleeper coach is a luxurious option for railway passengers. At the same time, it is economical when compared to the cheapest flights. Regular and tatkal booking services are available for the Second Class sleeper seats.
You can get Tatkal train tickets booked online via redBus. There is no need to stand in long queues or waste time at a travel agent’s office. Anyone has the option of online train ticket booking. The online system ensures transparency, and the IRCTC train ticket booking process has been simplified for everyone. Along with train ticket booking, it is essential to know the train timetable for a well-planned journey.