INDIAN RAILWAY ACCOMDATION

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.