Given here are the classes of accommodation in
Indian Railways. Check out rail way accommodation in India.
Indian Railway Accommodation
Indian Railway renders several classes of
accommodation in the trains of India. The accommodation class ranges
from the luxurious Air-conditioned 1st class, Air conditioned 2-Tier
sleeper, Air-conditioned Chair Cars to First class, Sleeper Class and
2nd class accommodation for sitting. Most of the Mail/ Express trains
entailing night journeys comprise sleeper class and second class
accommodation. The sleeping berths are obtainable between 21:00 hrs IST
and 06:00 hrs IST.
Classes of Accommodation
Each standard passenger train has numerous coaches of different classes.
However, it is not specific that all classes would be linked with a
train. Given here is a list depicting the accommodation classes in
operation.
- First Class AC (1A)
IR offers this class for comfort-lovers. Being the most expensive
class, the fares are equivalent with airlines. Such air-conditioned
coach is available only on prominent routes between metropolitan
cities. With capacity of 18 passengers, this coach is carpeted and
has decent sleeping accommodation.
- AC-Two Tier (2A)
These are Air-conditioned coaches in the company of sleeping berths,
sufficient leg room, curtains and individual reading lamps. Here,
the Berths are generally set in two tiers in bays of six, four
across the width of the coach and two berths across the length.
Amidst such class, a broad gauge coach can accommodate 48
passengers.
- First Class (FC)
This class is similar to 1-AC, though it does not have the air
conditioning. Generally, this class is uncommon.
- AC Three Tier (3A)
This class has air-conditioned coaches along with sleeping berths.
The arrangement of berths is usually same as in 2AC except with
three tiers across the width. The coaches don't have reading lights
or curtained off passage. A broad gauge in such class can afford 64
passengers at a time.
- AC Chair Car (CC)
This is an air-conditioned seater coach, where groups of five seats
are arranged in a row. This class is meant for day travel between
cities.
- Executive Class Chair Car (EC)
This accommodation comprises an air-conditioned seater coach, where
four seats are arranged in a row. This class is again used for
travel between cities during daytime.
- Sleeper Class (SL)
This class of accommodation is the most common. In this class,
maximum of ten coaches could be attached. These coaches are regular
sleeping coaches, where three berths are arranged across the width.
A broad gauge coach can carry 72 passengers at a time.
- Seater Class (2S)
This class is similar to AC Chair Car, yet doesn't have the
air-conditioning.
- General (G)
This is the cheapest accommodation class offered by IR. Here, seats
are made of pressed wood and seat is not assured since the tickets
for such class are issued usually two hours prior to the actual
departure of train. General class is generally very crowded.
The rearmost part of the train comprises a special
compartment, which is known as the guard's cabin. This cabin is equipped
with a transceiver and from here; the guard confers the all clear signal
sooner then the departure of train. A standard passenger train
encompasses four general compartments, two in the front and two in the
rear; out of them, one is meant for only ladies. The correct number of
general accommodation fluctuates as per the requirements and route. One
luggage compartment could also join at the front or the rear. Some
trains also embrace a separate mail compartment. A pantry car is
normally attached in the middle for long-distance trains.
