The railway system in India, being one of the largest networks of railways in the world, is the most popular and significant means of public transportation in the country. The network is known for its variations and structural organization that even something as simple as travel classes in a train could confuse an average traveller. If you travel on a train and want to go further than the AC compartment and the general, read on to learn more about the different travel classes on the train.
Classes can be initially split into air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned classes, and each of these has subclasses to their compartments.
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Air-conditioned classes
Air-conditioned classes are normally more expensive than non-air-conditioned classes and are usually cleaner and more comfortable.
- AC Executive Chair Class (EC)
The air-conditioned EC coaches are the most expensive and premium class of all the train classes, with the tickets sometimes being as expensive as that of an air ticket. Across the carriage, the seats are arranged as 2 2 with a foldable table and a screen attached to the back of every seat.
AC First Class (1AC)
The first AC coach provides passengers with 4-berth or 2-berth sleeper compartments that are well-maintained and spacious, with lockable doors. The first AC coach will also be provided with a towel, blanket, sheet, and pillow and is the most expensive sleeper class option.
AC Two-Tier Class (2AC)
The second AC coach is common in most long-distance trains, each compartment containing 2 upper and lower berths. Compartments are not provided door closures but are still separated through curtains.
AC Three-Tier Class (3AC)
In each compartment, there are 6 berths- 2 upper, 2 middle, and 2 lower and each side berth has an upper and a lower birth. Unlike the other AC compartments, these do not have curtains or doors to separate the berths. These reasonably priced tickets are popular among travellers who want comfort but are on a lower budget.
AC Chair Class (CC)
This includes 3 2 seats across the carriage and is usually present on a short distance and daytime-running trains. These are comfortable and affordable options when travel does not take more than 5 hours.
Non-Air-Conditioned Classes
The non-air-conditioned classes can be split into:
First-class (FC)
These have the same seating arrangement as the first AC coach but do not contain any air-conditioning. However, many trains in India do not have this class.
Sleeper Class (SL)
These have seating arrangements similar to an AC 3-tier class but without air-conditioning. The middle berth is foldable, and passengers can sit on the lower berth. The sleeper class is perfect for passengers who are on a tighter budget.
Second Class (2S)
This is the cheapest reserved class on Indian trains with a 3 3 seating arrangement across the carriage, and most of the second class coaches contain 2 rows of wooden benches.
General/Unreserved Class (2S)
This is the cheapest class that does not require any reservation. These are usually very crowded, and passengers are allowed to sit anyway.
Conclusion
Now that you know the different train classes, you can specifically check out what you want when booking your tickets!