Indian Trains
Serving as an important means of transport across India, Indian Trains are aptly called the backbone of India transport system. Indian railways play a major role in the economy of India. It is one of the cheapest modes of transportation in the country. Indian Railways comprises of more than 15,000 trains running daily on its track.
Generally Indian Railways provide seven classes of train accommodation
First Class A/C (1A)
This type of accommodation is available only in good and long-distance trains running on popular routes. The fare is very expensive. It offers 4-berth and 2-berth air-conditioned compartments which are spacious, carpeted and lockable. And the berths are convertible to seats. The compartment is fitted with washbasin and all the needed bedding is provided. Generally there is only one 1A bogie (carriage) in a train.
Two Tier A/C (2A)
It does not offer any separate compartment unlike 1AC. It offers air-conditioned cubicles with births that are arranged in two tiers in bays of six, four across the width of the coach, then the gangway and then two berths longways. And the privacy is provided by curtains. Necessary bedding like pillows, sheets and blankets are provided to the passengers. Such train accommodation is provided on almost all decent long-distance trains of India. The bunks can be converted to seats.
Three Tier A/C (3A)
It provides air-conditioned coaches with sleeping berths. The air-conditioned cubicles provide three tiers across the width and two longways. Bedding is provided. There are no curtains provided for privacy. They are not very well appointed.
A/C Chair Car (CC)
This type of train accommodation is provided in short-distance trains which cover the journey in a single day. In this class five seats are arranged in a row. It offers air-conditioned coaches.
Executive Class Chair Car
It offers air-conditioned seater coach where four seats are arranged in a row. This class is also for daytime travel.
Sleeper Class (SL)
It provides coaches with sleeping berths. The cubicles provide three tiers across the width and two longways. The carriages of sleeper class are not air-conditioned.
