First Class (FC)

First Class are the non ac coaches by the Indian Railways. This class was very popular in late 70’s and early 80’s amongst VIPs and politicians. But with the introduction of AC coaches, FC classes phased out slowly. Now only handful of trains offer First Class.

This class too have 2 Berth Coupes and 4 Berth Cabins with a door which can be latched from inside just like the ones in AC First class. The main reason for passengers to still continue to travel in this class is for the safety and peace of mind. There are no attendant call button or dustbins inside the cabins or coupes in this class, although these coaches comes equipped with reading lamps and are clean and hygienic.

Ticket fare of this class is comparatively higher than third ac and ac chair car while it is lower than the fares of second ac and first ac classes. Since people could travel in third ac with lesser money, almost everyone started preferring third ac over first class which further led to its demise.

Some of the toy trains too have first class. The FC class of toy trains and some of the short distance trains and passenger trains in India have seating arrangements only. Seats are in 2 X 1 fashion or 2 X 2 fashion . For example Rail Motor- 72451 have only FC class which have only seating arrangements. There are other short distance trains that have only FC class coaches for the entire train.

But it seems like this class would soon become extinct just like the dinosaurs, in coming years.

• Safe due to doors per compartment.
• Clean and hygienic.

Third AC or AC 3-tier (3A)

This is the most common and most preferred class of travel by the Indian middle class passengers. Third AC Sleeper has 8 berths in each compartment. The backrest of the lower berth is pulled upward to make it a middle berth and since each side of the compartment has three seats, it becomes impossible for an adult to sit upright when all three berths are open.

Also, there is no reading lamps on the berths which is there in second ac class. The side upper and lower berth resemble the same to that provided in 2A Sleeper the exception being reading lamps. Hence there is extra head space in side berths and you might not risk getting hit on side berths. Washrooms are not as clean as in 2AC and First AC Sleeper coaches. The 8-berth compartment composition makes it little crowded.

Third ac coaches are normally heaviest coaches of the train. Well one thing I like about this class is that people get into discussions more frequently in this class, so if you are not looking out for personal space, you could indulge into group discussions with your co-passengers. If not, you can get on the upper berth and avoid any communication with others.

• Total Berths: 64-72
• No curtains

Third AC Economy (3E)

This is very rare AC 3 tier Economy class available by the Indian Railways. They are just like 3A coaches the only difference being in the number of berths in each compartment. In 3A class there are 6 berths and 2 side berths in each compartment, but in 3E class there are 3 side berths making it a total of 9 berths per compartment. This class is available in some of the Duronto trains and Garib Rath Express (translates to poor man chariot).

The extra side middle berth in 3E class makes it bit congested in daytime journeys while it is comfortable or rather manageable during night journeys. Due to the side middle berth the head space in side berths are too less unlike in 3A coaches where there are ample of head space for the side berth passengers. The concept of Garib Rath was introduced by the then Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in view of passengers who could not afford to travel in AC Coaches.

For this class of travel in Garib Rath Express bedroll charges are not included in ticket fare and passengers need to opt the same during ticket reservation for which they are charged Rs. 25 extra. For the 3E class of other trains no extra bedroll charges are incurred and are already included in the ticket fare.

• Total Berth: 72-81
• Bedroll charges extra Rs. 25/- for some trains.
• Side middle berth extra.

AC Chair Car (CC)

This is Chair Car class by the Indian Railways. It consists of only seating arrangements with 3 X 2 seats per row. Each seat is dedicated to one passenger. This is fully AC coach. This type of class is available in short journey trains. Premium trains like Shatabdi Express and some of the Duronto trains (Day time) has Chair Car coaches. Sometimes jan-shatabdi trains also have 1-2 ac chair car coaches. There is a space overhead to keep luggage and it is placed safe in your sight at all times.

There are small tables attached on the back of your front seat which a passenger can open to have meal or to keep their belongings. These coaches are clean and well maintained by the Indian Railways. I think travelling in Chair Car gives you a combined feeling of flight and bus journey. The fare for this class is higher than sleeper but lower than third ac.

Sleeper (SL)

These are sleeper class coaches by the Indian Railways. These are Non-AC Coaches and have 8 berths per compartment. The windows are not shielded with thick glasses unlike in AC coaches hence there is enough air ventilation. But with air comes dust, sunrays and water (During rainfall) through the windows. It gets too hot in daytime and too cold during nights in these coaches. One can view and feel beautiful countryside sceneries more in Sleeper Class coaches.

Since attendants are not there for these coaches, safety remains a major issue in this class of travel. There are lots of hawkers selling tea, coffee, bhelpuri, books and lots of other stuff inside the train in this class. The best part with these hawkers coming and going is that it reminds you of your childhood memories. These hawkers are not allowed to board the train in AC class coaches. Since travelling in sleeper class is very economical, it is mostly preferred for short overnight journeys by the passengers.

One can see people discussing a hell lot on any topic in this class. There is a great deal of noise (from the windows and from the chit chatting going around). The capacity of this coach is normally 72 passengers but don’t be surprised if you see twice or more passengers inside a sleeper coach. This is because a lot of people having waitlisted ticket or unreserved ticket also travel in this class. So if you are looking for some lonely quiet time, we would highly recommend not to prefer this class.

• Total Berth: 72-80
• 8 berths per compartment.
• Usually 2 windows that can be opened/closed manually.

Second Seating or 2S:

These are Second Seating Class by the Indian Railways. 2S is a Non AC class coach which are the cheapest class to travel by the Indian Railways. This class is common in most daytime Intercity and Janshatabdi trains. 2S can be reserved or unreserved. For reserved 2S category coaches are equipped with chair car seats in 3X3 fashion. Since it is non AC class, it gets quite uncomfortable at times during summer. Also, 3X3 seating makes it bit compact and congested.

For the unreserved class seats are bench like just like in buses and local trains and 3 passengers can accommodate per bench. You would find this class to be most lively as there is always some movement going around in this class. You would find various short distance passengers who would always occupy seats in this class and would be engaged in highest level of discussions.

For long journeys it is not advisable to travel by this class. Many a times people fight over seat in this class due to the unreserved nature and big demand.