Decoding Indian Railways_ Understanding the Different Train Classes
                     Decoding Indian Railways: 
Understanding the Different Train 
Classes
Decoding Indian Railways: 
Understanding the Different Train 
Classes
Indian Railways are extremely expansive and the primary mode of transportation that connects the whole country. One of the most 
effective ways to travel in India (after bicycle or car) is by train. The journey on the Indian train may be a bit uncomfortable on the initial 
days, but over time you'll get used to this experience (sometimes even more enjoyable than flying). By checking the 
indian railway train status, you can stay informed about delays or schedule changes, ensuring a smoother and more stress-free journey.
While it is thrilling as it can be to travel across India on a train Indian railroads are complicated. From choosing the right train to arranging the 
tickets and finally getting ready for an enjoyable trip is distinct from the normal procedure of Western countries. This article will break it down 
the whole process for you. In the final part of this post I'll also provide you with some of my personal tips that will definitely assist you!
The Different Classes
If you've been to India and attempted to purchase tickets for trains it could have been an ordeal. You might not have grasped the various classes available on the trains or which is the most suitable for 
you. If, however, you're someone who plans to visit India in the beginning, it's important to clear any questions about the train and coach options this is because it's the most economical and comfortable 
mode of transportation across the nation.
Before I get into the explanation, you need be aware that certain classes might not be offered on certain trains. Therefore, you'll need to choose the train you want to use.
1. AC First Class (AC 1)
Let's begin with the most expensive and comfortable class on trains on the Indian railways. AC1 is the most luxurious can be found with all Indian train. Honestly. If you're interested in the idea of luxury 
trains then take a ride on the 5 Most Luxury trains that travel through India.
Like the name suggests, the entire class is and conditioned. If you're someone who value privacy over all else then this is the ideal choice for you. They have distinct cabins with locks. Each cabin is 
equipped with either two or four berths.
However, when booking tickets, you're not able to pick whether you'd like to be in a two-berth or four-berth cabin. It's up to the railway authorities, but their norm generally is two couples, and four 
families. If you're a single person your fate lies in the hands of them.
Toilets are located at both ends of the coach (just beyond the doors of both exits). Items like pillows and towels are already provided to guests. In the cabins, you will find all kinds of facilities, including 
washing facilities! As you're in the top class cabins, your service will always be excellent. All cabins are located situated on the same other side and there's plenty of room to stroll around outside the 
cabins.
The price is comparable to the cost of air travel because here, the first class on trains is similar to the business class of flight. Additionally, Tatkal booking (reservations at the last minute) is not 
permitted in the first class, therefore you'll need to make your decision to book a bit earlier.
2. AC 2-tier
The name is complicated, but I'll make it easy for you. Certain people (like my mother) are also calling it 2nd AC. The cost is lower than the first 
AC and, if the truth is told, it's more effective than first AC as well.
The only reason I'm able to claim that it's better than the initial AC is that anything could occur in the second and nobody would notice 
since everyone would have locked the cabins (although there are very few instances of theft or other risks). Ultimately, it's still 
everyone's individual choice, and using RailMitra can help travelers make informed decisions about their coach and amenities before 
booking.
In AC 2-tier the berths are at both ends of aisle. It's a bit smaller but extremely comfortable. There's no cabins here. One side there will be four 
beds (two higher and one below) on the other side, there will be two berths. Each side are separated by curtains, ensuring that you'll have 
privacy.
There is no washbasin inside the cabin, only outside. Apart from that the individual reading lamps are provided, which is a huge advantage. 
Towels, sheets and towels are also available. It is much easier to socialize with fellow passengers with this type of class.
As I said earlier that the cost to sit in the class lower that AC First Class. One advantage is that tatkal reservations are permitted.
3. AC 3-tier
It'll be more crowded since instead of four places to sit on one side, there will be six. On the other hand there'll be two. Along with being more 
people, another issue is with six berths currently (two below two on top and two between these) The middle berths need to be removed early in 
the morning. They are erected by hooking them to hinges that are attached to one of the upper berths. There is no chance of falling off, but 
you'll be unable to sleep whenever you like during the afternoon as there are people sitting on the lower bed.
Tips: Most of the times, you can request the other passengers along with you if they would let you make use of their upper berths in order to 
rest in the afternoon. They'll typically allow it since the majority of passengers are extremely accommodating. Additionally, there aren't curtains 
in this area, so there is you'll have no privacy.
No reading lights are available available in AC 3. Other facilities are available as in the two previous classes. The rates are a bit lower than the 
2nd AC. It's not a huge difference. Tatkal is readily available.
4. Sleeper
This class is likely to be where half of Indian people travel. Sleeper class isn't air-conditioned. The seating arrangements are as AC 3-tier. 
Sheets and pillows are not supplied.
Toilets are situated in front of both exits, as it is for all other classes. However, the bathrooms are in AC coaches are much cleaner than those 
in sleeper class. This could be due to the fact that anybody can be admitted to the sleeper class to sell things when the train stops at stations. 
Additionally, those who do not have reservations can join the class.
To admit it, I've traveled in sleeper class for about five times (after when we began booking AC coaches). Sleeper class makes your travel 
experience more enjoyable in the event that you're not averse to the crowds, noise and large number of people. The windows can be left open, 
unlike the AC coaches and certainly get an improved view of the surrounding. In addition, if the train is stopped at the stations you are able to 
contact vendors right from your window (I always do this to buy things).
The cost of a ticket will never go more than the amount of Rs. 1000, and this class is in all trains across the country.
5. First Class
Don't mistake this class with the other because it's not air conditioning. It's not even present in the majority of trains currently. However, in 
some older trains it's still in use.
It's exactly like AC First Class regarding facilities and service. It has every compartment and things. The only issue is that it's not air climate 
controlled. If that's not any issues for you, and you're still looking for privacy for less take this class.
But, you'll need confirm in advance whether the train you'll be traveling on is in the class you're looking for or is not.
6. Second Sitting
It's similar to a compartment designed for locals; people who travel on smaller lengths (within within the city, or in nearby states). There are 
also people who sit and ride in these coaches all the time when they cannot have a seat, which means it's often extremely crowded.
Seating arrangements are simple. The coaches are divided into two rows, with three cushioned seats in each row.
7. AC Chair Car
This is the final class which is similar to Second Sitting however it's air conditioned.
It's slightly uncomfortable if you intend to move to another state entirely because being in one spot for that long could be quite uncomfortable. It 
is possible to raise your chair to some degree, but it will feel uncomfortable.
The price for this particular one is 3 times that of the second Sitting.
Tips for Travelling by Train
After we've finished with the various classes, here's a few ideas that might prove to be helpful.
1. Lock your luggage and always keep your handbags or purses in your bag, particularly when you're traveling on Sleeper class.
2. Take an extra set of clean sheets to replace the ones you receive at the end of your train journey is filthy. If you're in the Sleeper Class class, 
you may often be cold in the night, which is why it will help.
3. The toilets in sleeper Class and, sometimes, in AC 3-tier can be extremely filthy. The washbasins may be filthy as well. Therefore, always 
bring a small bag to store your bathroom necessities. This way you won't need to store your items on the benches. Additionally, you should 
make use of the toilet in the early hours of the morning before people begin to gather around it.
4. It's better to purchase specific food items at stations than from sellers who sell it inside the coaches. This doesn't refer to packaged food items 
but fresh cooked food items.
5. Have a chat with your other passengers. There's no way to know who may assist you. Additionally, you'll know more about the country they 
represent from them. If they are a part of to the state you're traveling to, they'll be able to recommend destinations for you.
6. If you think somebody is causing you trouble or you're worried about the person, don't hesitate to call the police. Contact numbers for them 
can be displayed on the walls of coaches when you go in.
7. Take a good book along with you, as you could get bored during an extended trip. There are some vendors who bring books, and there are 
numerous book stores on stations. There are many genres to choose from, but the majority are bestsellers. Keep plenty of cash on hand as 
packaged drinks and snacks are frequently brought to coaches, and they'll require change every time.
8. Food served on trains may be tasteless and if you walk just a few coaches away, you'll know where they're cooked, and this will keep you 
from eating them. A majority of Indians carry home their food.
9. Enjoy!