A Guide to Ticket Booking Indian Railways Classes and Coaches !!

How many Classes of Coaches are available on Indian Railways?

A: There are several classes of coaches that are available for Indian Railways. Out of them, there are the general chair cars and without reservation class coaches, with comfort level little low. The railways planned 2 types of bogies for Passengers, The ICF, and LHB Coaches.

With different classes of reservations as per the customer budget and level of comfort available, Indian Railways segregated 9 classes for travelers. These classes are named AC First Class, AC Two-tier, AC Three Tier, First Class (Without AC), Executive Chair Car, AC Chair Car, Sleeper Class, Second Seater, and the Unreserved/General Class.

AC First Class (1A)

This is the most luxurious and expensive class in the railway system. The price of this class will be almost equal to air tickets. The berths are fitted with many amenities, personal coupes, carpets, entertainment elements, and others. These facilities and amenities differ from train to train. Four or two berths confined within a doored room is called a coupe. The travelers can lock from inside.

Certain trains like Duronto, Rajdhani, and others provide a special menu for this class. In some, washbasins are provided within the compartments.

AC Two-Tier (2A)

These are coaches with an air-conditioned environment. Semi-privacy is guaranteed with thick curtains. There are just 6 berths in each of the compartment sections (no middle berths). Reading lights, pillows, bedsheets, and other amenities are provided.

AC Three-Tier (3A)

These look exactly like AC two-tier, but many amenities like curtains, reading lights, and others will be missing. Pillows and bed sheets are provided just like 2A and 1A. There are middle berths in each section. The class can be a little crowded when the middle berth is erect. This is why people prefer the upper berth.

First Class (FC)

This is similar to 1A, without air conditioning, bedding, or special lighting. Many trains do not have this class. However, you can find these in a few heritage trains. The amenities are similar to second-class. There are no attendees. Thus, people preferred choosing the third class over the expensive first class and this class has diminished. However, the compartments are very clean and reading lights are provided. 

AC Three-Tier Economy (3E)

These are found only in Garib Rath Express. These are air-conditioned coaches with curtains and better walking space. Bedding, reading lights and other facilities are not provided in this coach. There are 9 berths in each compartment, making it more congested. Bedrolls are provided for an additional charge.

Executive Chair Car (EC)

This is a non-sleeper class with exclusive amenities. Each row will contain four chairs. The coaches are extra spacious and have good legroom. Usually, these coaches are used for day travel. These coaches are common in Shatabdi Express and Tejas Express trains. This class is also called as AC Executive class. In certain trains like Shadabti Express, meals are included in the tariff.

AC Chair Car (CC)

These are air-conditioned chair cars with five chairs in each row. These are used in trains for day travel between two cities. Many premium trains provide these classes. Additional space is provided overhead for luggage storage. Thus, your legroom is not compromised. Small trays are attached to the chairs, just like an airplane seats. These coaches are well maintained and hygiene.

Sleeper Class (SL)

This is the commonly booked class on the Indian train. Most of the trains have 10 or more coaches assigned for this class. These classes have three berths horizontally and two along the length, in each section. Around 72 people can travel in one coach. This is one of the loud classes on the train. You can find vendors venturing into the compartment, every five minutes. Your privacy will be compromised.

 

Second Seater (2S)

It is very similar to CC. The coach does not have to air-condition. Double deck, second seater coaches are found in trains running between Mumbai and Pune. People might even fight for comfortable seats. This is the worst class to choose during summer.

General Class or Unreserved Class (GEN/UR)

This is the cheapest class on the train. The tickets issued are valid for a day and the passenger can board the trains as they wish. The seats are not guaranteed and the crowd is extreme. Read more about the

Certain special classes are available in unique trains like heritage trains, luxury trains, toy trains, and others.