A Guide to the India Railway
System and the Indian Train
I’m sharing my practical knowledge about the India railway system, the
Indian train, and the India travel ‘culture’. The information in this article
covers what to expect when traveling on the India Railway system (as well as
what not to expect), types of Indian train classes, India railway facilities,
cost of travel on Indian trains, and instructions on making offline and online
India Railway reservations.
It is practically impossible to fully explain the India
railway system in one article. Even for an experienced traveler, there are many
unknown though useful aspects of train travel in India. I hope this article
will enlighten anybody who is keen to know about the India train and the India
railway system. This article is not meant to be the sort of guide you’d see at
the http://www.indianrailway.gov.in/ info site, guides etc. Instead,
I’m trying to take a hands-on approach on train travel in India to give you a
real ‘feel’ of it. Knowing the Indian train and the India railway system will
go a long way to making your India travel a comfortable experience.
The India Railway
Trains
A typical long distance Indian train has the following
coach configuration.
The Engine
Well, it’s in the front with the driver and his
assistant! The guard at the tail end of the train is the person in charge of
the train. Indian trains run on diesel or electricity, depending on the route.
Second Class (General Compartment)
2 to 4 coaches in a train, usually 2 just behind the engine and 2 at the
end of the train. You need not have any reservations for traveling in second
class. You can buy tickets from the counter at the railway station, even when
the train is standing at the platform ready for departure.
Second class is the cheapest way to travel on the India
railway system for me. For less than $10.00 USD, for example, you can travel
about 3,000 kilometers (yes, three thousand!) from Trivandrum to New Delhi. The
only catch is that there are no seat reservations. No sleeping berths either,
so you would have to sleep sitting up for 2 nights.
If you do manage to get a seat, there is no guarantee
that you can hold on to it. You need to keep your luggage, or any other
personal object, on the seat when you go to toilet or walk around the train. An
empty seat is open for anyone, including you, to occupy!
The facilities for second class on the India railway
system are a bare minimum: food is available from the vendors; there are four
squat-type toilets with water attached to each coach; fans are provided; two
washbasins are also available at both the ends of the train.
Tip: bring a small chain and a
padlock to secure your luggage beneath a seat or over the luggage rack.
Depending on the season or route, the second class on the
Indian train may get overcrowded. I’ve traveled many times in this class during
the peak India travel season, and a couple of times I had to breathe through my
neighbor’s nose! The coaches get especially crowded during the Indian
summer season, and there is a large passenger overflow into second class from
other classes due to the overbooking of reservation.
You will see the poorest class of Indian people in these
compartments, but if you want to get a feel for the "raw India", then
traveling in the second class is the best bet. The people are generally
accommodative, and are more than happy to talk to strangers. A foreigner will
surely generate a lot of curiosity.
You take definitely the first step in striking up a
conversation, but use your common sense and good judgment to assess the
situation. You will know they are interested when they bombard with you with a
lot of curious questions. Be prepared to answer a lot of personal questions!
Some standard questions you will be asked on your India travel journey are
"Where you are coming from? What is your profession? How much you earn a
month?". Your answers will lead to additional questions! Don’t be offended
by the personal nature of the questions. This is how people in India socialize.
Surprisingly, they may not ask your name. They think this is too personal a
question to be asked!
An average Indian has an infinite number of questions to
ask. Don’t be offended. This is how the Indian culture is. Asking questions is
not considered impolite. My advice is to roll with it, rather than fighting it
or getting upset.
A poor Indian is of the impression that all western
tourists are infinitely rich, and that they have more money they know what to
do with it. Otherwise why would they travel around the country and waste a lot
of good money? Even the well-to-do Indians share the same opinion.
Second Class Sleeper Compartment
The sleeper class in the India railway system is the main chunk of a
typical express train. Each coach holds about 72 passengers, with about 10 to
15 coaches per train.
You will need a reservation to travel in this class of
the Indian train. Reservations can be made 60 days prior to your journey at the
most. Once reserved, your name will be listed on the chart stuck next to your
coach’s door outside. A copy of the same is displayed at the departing station
“Reservation Chart” notice board about an hour before the departure. The
coaches are indexed as S1,S2,S3, and so on. Lookout for a square white paper
label stuck on the side of the door with the coach number marked on it. The
same is also printed on your ticket. Most of the stations have a notice board
indicating the position of the coaches from the engine. If this is not
displayed, ask the staff at the railway station for your coach. Try to locate
your coach prior to the arrival of your train so that you can avoid the
mad-tourist dash up and down the length of the train with your huge backpack.
Bring your own bedroll for the II class sleeper travel. A
thick blanket and an air pillow is not a bad idea.
The middleclass massed of India travel by this class.
Next to your seat will, in all probability, be a newly married Tamil couple who
will speak reasonably good English, an old lady who is not very happy with you
to begin with, her middle-aged daughter who speaks Hindi only, and her
inquisitive young boy who want to know everything about you.
For a budget traveler Second Class sleeper is THE most
suitable mode of transport.
The seats in the second class sleeper are grouped into
semi-private sections of 6 seats - 3+3 facing each other, with upper berths,
middle berths, and lower berths. The lower berth is the primary seating for the
passengers during daytime. Seats in the second class convert into sleeper
berths at night. Don’t get offended if an older passenger asks you to exchange
your lower berth with his upper berth. Generally, younger people consent to
this as a courtesy to the senior passenger.
The upper berth on the Indian train is undisturbed and
can be used for sleeping during the daytime as well. Lower berth passenger gets
the window seats during the daytime, although generally you will see a lot of
co-operation among the "6 member berth family" in berth-swapping.
On the other side of the walkway is a row of ‘’Side
Berths”. These are twin seats facing each other. If you are taller than 5.5
feet, though, these side berths are going to be a little short for you to sleep
on. But both of these seats are window seats and you won’t trouble the other
passengers when getting up walking around, like the trouble created for the mid
and aisle passengers sitting in a row during an airplane flight.
Try to avoid, if possible, the first and last 16 seats of
the 72 seats in each coach on the Indian train, as they are close to the doors
and toilets. You may be annoyed by the traffic near the door and toilets, just
like the last row in an airplane. The light that stays on at night at these
sections of the compartment might also annoy you.
Chains are provided by the India railway to secure your
baggage, but bring your own padlock. Your luggage can be pushed under the seat.
AC 3-Tier Sleeper (3A)
This is the air-conditioned version of the Second Class Sleeper. Most of
the express trains have about 2 to 3 coaches of this type. This class is more
comfortable than the Second Class Sleeper and is also a bit more spacious. The
windows are tinted glass and do not open. You might not be able to enjoy the
sights, smells, and sounds of the scenery as you pass by like you would in the
Second Class Sleeper.
Ticket prices are fairly reasonable as well. For about
$34 USD you can travel about 3,000 kilometer from Trivandrum to New Delhi in
this class. I recommended this class if you wish to travel in a bit more
comfort, and especially during the summer. Bedrolls are available inside the
coach free of cost. Most of the facilities are comparable with the Sleeper Class,
though.
Here again, you will find the Indian middle class as your
co-passengers.
Don’t get upset if someone requests to share the magazine
you have been reading. This is a very common practice in Indian trains. After
reading a magazine, if you have kept it beside you, someone might just take it
to have a look. And it will be passed from person to person in the compartment
without your permission. The magazine will experience a trip around the
compartment and be returned to you in due time.
With a newspaper, the story is even more dramatic. If you
are reading the news headline, someone will hold the middle papers and pull it
gently... you are expected to release your tight hold so that he can pull out
the middle section of the newspaper easily. This, by the way, is treated as
absolutely courtesy! Here too, the newspaper will travel in loose sections and
comeback to you after a well read tour.
Generally people won’t request your books for reading. If
you are a ‘selfish’ person, keep your magazine inside your bag immediately
after you read it.
AC 2-Tier sleeper (2A)
You will find the well-to-do
Indian traveler in these coaches. This is a good place for those who don’t want
to join the crowd, or prefer a more luxurious trip. All the facilities
available in SL is available here also. At a cost of about $48 USD you can
travel about 3000 kilometer from Trivandrum to New Delhi in this class.
Bedrolls are available inside the coach, free of cost.
Like in any other air-conditioned coaches, you can’t enjoy the outside view due
to the dark window glass. Tell that coach attendant to reduce the CHILL if you
feel you are inside a freezer with berths and wheels!
The AC 2-Tier Sleeper is found on many of the express
trains in the Indian Railway system, and is more luxurious than the 3A.
First Class AC (1A)
The First Class air-conditioned class is the highest luxury class in the
India railway system for the regular routes. The cost is roughly comparable
with the economy class airfare. For about $150.00 USD, you can travel from
Trivandrum to Delhi on the India railway system in this class. A number of the
important long-distance routes along the Indian railways have these coaches.
You’ll find the elite class of Indians and business executives traveling in
this class.
On a side note, I once met a businessman on this class on
a train, who informed me that he was afraid of flying, and therefore traveled
only by train. Being a private compartment, you can travel days without even
making eye contact with your other co-passengers. India travelers tend to mind
their own business on these coaches, busy with the usual stuff - the newspaper
reading, staring at the laptop screen, acting sleepy, etc. I have noticed this
contrast between the First and Second or Third class on the Indian train in
almost all of my India train journeys. Someone explained this to me as it being
the product of the physical distances in the luxury classes. In a Sleeper class
you are more physically close to the co-passengers and this increases the drive
to interact with others.
AC Chair Car (CC)
The AC Chair Car is generally
attached only to the day-running trains on the India railway system. They look
more like an economy-class seat on a plane, although with a little wider seat
seating. It cost slightly less than the 3A. It’s alright for a decent day’s
travel. Many express trains that run day routes on the India railway system
have this class.
First Class (FC)
This is the legacy first class coach. Only a few meter gauge express trains
on the Indian railways have this class . This is similar to the First Class AC,
except that it’s not air-conditioned! The cost for a ticket is between the cost
for a Second Class AC and Third Class AC ticket. It’s spacious, although you
will need to inform the station in charge prior to boarding the train for a
bedroll. The bedrolls go for approximately Rs 20.00 per bedroll.
There are a number of special trains called the Rajdhani (meaning "capital") and
the Shatabdi (meaning "centenary") Express, which are among the fastest passenger
trains on the India railway system. These trains only have the luxury class
coaches. The Rajdhani Express runs between Delhi and many important cities. The Shatabdi Express runs between most important
cities. The Shatabdi is a day running train with no sleeping berths. The India domestic flights
and airlines are their main rivals.
Break Van - Luggage on the India Railway System
These are the luggage vans that are attached at the ends of each trains. If
you have any oversized luggage, like a bicycle, motorbike, or camping
equipment, you can store it away in this compartment.
Luggage does not have to be booked while making your
reservation on the India railway system. Just make sure you arrive at the
boarding station a bit earlier than the departure time states, and book your
luggage in the break van. The Luggage Office is located near the train
platform. You will need to show your ticket as proof that you are traveling on
the same train. Make sure you go personally to the break van to supervise the
loading and unloading of your luggage. This will help you avoid any missing
luggage.
You are given a free allowance of 35kg for second class,
40kg for Second Class Sleeper and Third Class AC Sleeper, 50kg for Second Class
AC Sleeper, and 70kg for First Class AC. You can usually go over by 10kg or so
before they charge you for the extra.
Note: You will need to pay the additional charge if your
luggage amount is more than the free allowance, whether or not you store it in
the luggage van.
Pantry Car
Most of the long distance trains on the India railway
system have this facility. The pantry car serves meals, snacks, coffee, tea
(chai), and cool drinks. "Room service" is available, where the wait
staff brings your order to your seat, although you can go the pantry car and
order your meals directly. You will need to pay for what you buy.
The menu is basically vegetarian, although egg omelets
are served. Chicken curry and other non-vegetarian dished are available at the
stations for about a $1 per person. Prices are slightly higher for food than
the local restaurants charge, but the food is pretty decent on an express
train.
The India Railway
toilets
The toilets on the India railway system are more or less similar for all
the classes. Each coach is typically equipped with 4 toilets - 1 western style
toilet, and 3 squat-style Indian toilets. Carry your toilet paper, though.
Interestingly, the squat-type is more hygienic on a train, but using one of
them on a running train requires some experience. The squat-style toilet in an
Indian train is basically a stainless steel basin installed on the floor, with
footrests on either side. Be careful with small articles like spectacles,
purses, toiletries, etc, as these can easily fall down the drain if
accidentally dropped on to the toilet floor. Once, I’ve lost a bunch of keys
when they accidentally fell from my pocket. Also, don’t forget to collect all
your items if you choose to leave them over the small shelf fitted inside the
toilet near the mirror. Unlike in the west you can use the toilet even when the
train is at the stations. No one locks up them while the train is at the
station.
There are two latches for the toilet. One is a twin latch
that can be opened and closed from both inside and outside. The other can be
operated only from the inside. Lock this one when you are inside and leave the
other one open. This gives the indication from outside that it is occupied. The
toilets with the twin latch in the closed position are the unoccupied ones.
Early mornings are a bit crowded at the toilets. You use
the washbasin located outside the toilet for brushing your teeth and washing
your face.
The India Railways
Traveling Ticket Examiner
The Traveling Ticket Examiner on
the Indian railway system, or the TTE as he’s known, collects all the tickets
on the Indian train. You have to show him your ticket on request. The TTE is
usually dressed in a dark blazer with a name badge over his white shirt, and
always carries a chart board with a huge clip over it. The TTE typically speaks
fairly well, though in the Indian dialect of English. You will hoard of
passengers around him towards the front on the India railway station, asking
him questions all sorts of questions about the statuses of the waitlist.
The TTE is the best person to speak with about questions
or concerns about your India train journey. Some common inquiries that the TTE
will be able to address are:
- Swapping your berth,
- Arrival and departure timings,
- The train is best to reach your destination,
- Extending your journey on the same train,
- Upgrading your class, which is based on availability.
- Medical emergencies that arise during your journey. The TTE, and other
train staff, is trained to give first aid, and will locate a doctor on the
train if the situation is more serious. India railway encourages medical
practitioners to identify themselves while making reservations. By the
way, all the passengers are insured by the India railway system against
accidents while at the station or on the trains.
- You can even ask him personal questions like how many children he
has... the question will be appreciated!
Typically one TTE is in charge for about 4 coaches, and
will travel along with the train. For long distance trains, a new TTE takes
over every day. The TTE locks the coaches from inside during the nights. Many
night running trains have a few policemen as night guards.
Vendors on the
India Railway System
Anything is available for sale inside an Indian train and
at India railway stations - from safety pin to quiz books to bananas to shoe
polishing services to dried fruits. You name it, and it is yours (for the right
price)! Not all the vendors are approved by the India railway system, though.
A Indian train is a big bazaar on wheels, so be sure to
carry a bunch of coins and small change during your India travel. The vendors
are part and parcel of the India railway system. When a train reaches a
station, the vendors swarm the windows like bees on a honeycomb, with everyone
shouting out their fare for sale. All the goods sold are very thoughtfully
suited to be exchanged through the 4-inch or so gap of the window grille. If
you are sitting at the window seat, co-passengers may request to use your
window to buy stuff they need.
Generally the train stops for two minutes at each
station, but at major stations this can be up to 30 minutes. Make sure you
shift your huge backpack close to the exit door when the train is about to
reach your destination. All sorts of frenzied activities like buying, selling,
and boarding takes place two minutes before the train leaves. Departure is
announced by a long whistle, after which the train slowly begins its journey
again.
India Railway
Reservations
Booking
India Railway tickets over the Internet
Booking from abroad is a little difficult, if you are
totally new to how India, and India railway systems in particular, work. Online
seat availability checks and online train ticket booking though the Indian
Railways website (http://www.irctc.co.in/)
for most of the trains is available. You have two options when you book India
Railway tickets over the internet:
Indian Railways I-Ticket Reservations
You make an I-Ticket India Railway booking on the
internet, but you have it delivered to an address in India. Lists of cities and
towns where this courier service is available to are published on the site.
Unfortunately, the India railway booking office does not courier tickets to
overseas locations. You will have to provide a local address to send these
tickets. Possible suggestions for destinations are a friend currently located
in India or the hotel you might be staying at in India. You should allow for
about two to three days’ delivery time.
Indian Railways E-Ticket Reservations
You make your E-Ticket Indian Railway booking over the
internet, but you print the ticket yourself on your home computer. This is a
good idea if you have access to a printer and you don’t want to have them
couriered somewhere.
NOTE: You can no longer pick tickets
booked online at the Delhi train station.
You have to register online on the India railway website
in order for the site to process your purchase. An extra service charge of 1.8%
is levied on the total cost of the tickets for internet bookings. The site
takes Visa and MasterCard. A refund is made on the card if you cancel the
ticket later. Make sure you note down the 10 digit PNR and the Transaction
ID... you will need this if you want to cancel.
You can make a maximum of four online bookings a month,
and each ticket can be for a maximum of six passengers.
One option for India travelers who anticipate traveling
on the India railway system a lot is the Indiarail pass, which is available to
foreign tourists from abroad. However, if you are not planning on traveling a
lot by train, this is not worth the expense.
Booking India Railway tickets in person
Passengers on Indian trains can reserve tickets in person
at the India railway reservation counters in India - there are hundreds of them
all over the country. Most cities have ticket counters located at multiple locations
for the passengers’ convenience. There are special quotas for foreign tourists.
Enquire about this at the reservation enquiry counter on your route. India
railway ticket counters are open 8.00 a.m. till 8.00 p.m. on weekdays, and 8.00
a.m. to 2.00 p.m. on Sundays.
You can use credit cards for booking tickets at the
reservation counters - look for the special Credit Card counters at the
reservation office. You need to pay an additional Rs. 30 as a service charge.
But the credit card queues are generally shorter than the cash queues. Use your
discretion.
Most large hotels in India offer travel services to their
guests, and can arrange to get India railway tickets for you. For approximately
Rs 30.00 per seat, they will get someone to stand in the queue for you and book
the ticket. This is an easy way out for India travelers who choose not to
experience the reservation counter experience personally.
Checking Seat Availability on the India Railway System
When searching for seat availability you will come across
notations like "AVAILABLE- 0068", meaning that 68 seats are available
for the day you have indicated. When searching for seat availability on
particular Indian trains, you may also encounter notations like "WL 40/WL
10". This may look a bit confusing for a new user, but there’s a perfectly
logical explanation and, once you understand it, this is a useful bit of
information.
Basically, there are two types of reservations on Indian
trains:
- Seats with berth are reserved on a first-come-first-served basis.
- Once the seats with berths are allocated, all other requests are under
the "Reservation against Cancellations" category, popularly
known as RAC.
RAC is not a waiting list in the conventional sense. You
can still board the train with a RAC ticket, and you do have a confirmed seat.
However, a sleeping berth will be allotted based on availability due to
cancellations.
Only after the "seat only " seats are also
filled does the real concept of a "waiting list" come into the
picture, and this is where the "WL 40/WL10" notation comes into play.
This notation on your India railway ticket means that you were the 40th person on the waiting
list, but due to cancellations you are currently 10th on the waiting list.
Now why, you may ask, would you need to know how many
seats got cancelled? Good question. An experienced India railway traveler
will know how many seats generally get cancelled on a particular train route,
and can plan his trip accordingly. It’s definitely chancy, but to give you an
idea, over 200 seats generally get cancelled for a Second Class Sleeper on an
Indian train.
Make sure you check the status of your ticket just before
boarding an Indian train, to see if you have an RAC or WL ticket. You can do
this through the internet, at the reservation enquiry counter, or over the
phone. The telephone number for the Interactive Voice Response System is on the
reverse of the ticket. You will need the 10 digit PNR printed on the upper left
hand corner of the ticket to check your ticket type.
You will not have a seat assigned to you if the status is
WL. Contact the TTE to determine your chances of getting a berth. However you
can still travel with this ticket in the General Compartment.
Cancellations and Lost Tickets
Passengers on the Indian Railway System can cancel a
reserved ticket and get a refund through the reservation counter. Generally the
cancellation charges vary from a little less than $0.25 USD to slightly more
than $1.00 USD, depending on the class. If you cancel a reservation at least a
day in advance of your journey, excluding the actual day of travel, this range
of cancellation fee will apply. If you cancel between one day and 4 hours
before train departure, 25% of ticket cost plus the above mentioned
cancellation fee is charged as a fee. You can still cancel the reservation,
though, actually even after the train has departed. But the refund amount will
vary, although typically you will lose about 50% of the total ticket cost. For
a wait-listed ticket, there is no cancellation fee if cancelled in advance. A
chart of cancellation fees for the India railway system is displayed at all the
reservation counters. It shows the refund % based on class, time of
cancellation, distance, etc. Tickets reserved at one station can be cancelled
at another station. If you have booked over the internet, or using a credit
card, the refund will be credited directly to your card.
If you are not in a position to go to the reservation
counters you cancel your ticket through the mail also. But I’m not sure if they
send money abroad. The best way is to get it refunded directly over the
counter. In case you are not in a position to cancel in person, you can deposit
the tickets at the nearest major India railway station and obtain a Ticket
Deposit Receipt (TDR). This can be done upto 30 days after the travel date.
Then, an application for the refund needs to be sent to theChief Commercial
Manager-Refunds of the respective railway zone (southern, south-central, eastern, etc)
where you have deposited the ticket. You need to attach the passenger’s foil of
TDR as well. This can be done within 90 days of your scheduled journey. The
format for this refund request and the address to which it has to be sent can
be obtained from the station where you have deposited the ticket. You have the
options of a Money Order or Crossed Cheque or Station Pay Order (encashable at
railway stations).
You can even claim the refund for the unused part of the tickets. Let’s say you met a nice friend on the train and decided to leave the train with her before your final destination. Before getting carried away with your newfound excitement, make sure you go to the TTE/stationmaster and let him know that you are terminating your journey. He’ll scribble something on the ticket, even God doesn’t know what it is, and add his signature. This is the proof that you have terminated your journey midway. At the exit, don’t hand your ticket to the collector. Let her that you terminated journey midway, and that you need the ticket for a refund claim. She’ll verify the ticket and give it you back.For the rest follow the instructions given above.
You’ll receive a cheque long after you have forgotten about this. But I feel happy when I get a cheque when I’m least expecting one!! I’m not sure about tickets booked with a credit card. But in any case, ticket cancellation refunds are refunded to the card account. Generally this takes a little longer time than the conventional system.
If you are not planing to travel it is always better to cancel the ticket before the journey date and collect cash directly. This will save you a lot of money, time and hassle.
You can even claim the refund for the unused part of the tickets. Let’s say you met a nice friend on the train and decided to leave the train with her before your final destination. Before getting carried away with your newfound excitement, make sure you go to the TTE/stationmaster and let him know that you are terminating your journey. He’ll scribble something on the ticket, even God doesn’t know what it is, and add his signature. This is the proof that you have terminated your journey midway. At the exit, don’t hand your ticket to the collector. Let her that you terminated journey midway, and that you need the ticket for a refund claim. She’ll verify the ticket and give it you back.For the rest follow the instructions given above.
You’ll receive a cheque long after you have forgotten about this. But I feel happy when I get a cheque when I’m least expecting one!! I’m not sure about tickets booked with a credit card. But in any case, ticket cancellation refunds are refunded to the card account. Generally this takes a little longer time than the conventional system.
If you are not planing to travel it is always better to cancel the ticket before the journey date and collect cash directly. This will save you a lot of money, time and hassle.
Lost ticket will not be refunded. You can get a
duplicate for a lost or torn ticket, if you know the the 10 digit PNR and other
details. A charge from 10% to 25% is collected based on the distance for the
duplicate ticket. However, if you manage to find the original ticket, you can
get a refund for the additional money you paid for the duplicate minus a 5%
charge! Produce both the tickets at the reservation counter to process this
refund.
For cancellation and reservation of tickets the same form
can be used.
Tatkal Scheme
The Tatkal scheme is an emergency reservation scheme
introduced on most train routes on the India railway system. Indian trains of
this type used to be indicated with a T at the end of their train number, but
no longer. Tatkal tickets can now be booked up to 5 days in advance not including
date of journey, so 6 days’ advance really. These are in all other respects the
same express trains with 2 or 3 such special reservation coaches attached to
it. Tatkal tickets are only issued for the full length of the train’s journey,
though you are still allowed to board the train at an intermediate station, and
of course, there are exceptions to the rule.
All the Tatkal (meaning "immediate") tickets
come with a premium of approximately Rs. 50.00 to Rs. 200.00 extra, depending
on the class, although they can be as high as Rs. 300. You need to produce a
photo identity card (passport, drivers license, credit card, etc) at the
reservation counter. The same will be asked for inside the train by the TTE.
The ID number is noted on the ticket. This is basically to prevent the
black-market sale of high demand Indian train tickets. If you are booking the
Tatkal for a group of people (max 6 per ticket) any one member’s ID is
sufficient. These tickets cannot be cancelled for a refund. The Tatkal system
is a boon for emergency passengers.
India Railways -
Some Facts
- 63,140 total kilometers covered.
- 8,702 passenger trains.
- 6,856 railway stations.
- 14 million passengers a day.
It is a huge cultural kaleidoscope on the
move.... Salute to India railway for the amazing service they provide to
the passengers!!
CLASS OF TRAVEL
This is a constant area of confusion, largely, because of the terminology. For example, Ist class is the third highest category in Indian Railways. The highest category of Indian Railway travel is called AC Class. This is then followed by a class called Ist class which includes AC 2 Tier, Standard Ist class and AC chaircar. The bottom category of Indian Railways is referred to as 2nd class. Choose from three different indrail pass plans.
Offers air conditioned accommodation for two berth (one up & one down) or four berth (2 up & 2 down) locakable compartments for overnight journeys and air conditioned executive class seating for short journeys such as the Shatabadi express trains to Agra from Delhi ; linen/blankets; facility of shower/toilet at either end of the carriage & attendant services. Listed below is a plan view of this type of accommodation.
A photo of the AC Class 4 berth compartment is shown below:-
AC Class 4 berth compartment
AC executive Class
If you travel by daytime short journeys such as Shatabdi expresses AC executive class is the highest available class. This is similar to aircraft type seats. Diagram of AC executive class is given below:
General Advise on AC Class.
This is the most comfortable method of travel on Indian Railways. There are 1 or 2 points to look out for before purchasing this type of ticket.
- Work out your railway itinerary (if you need help use the Train Times section or if this is not enough obtain a 'Trains at a Glance' timetable). Check whether the trains you intend to travel have the AC Class service. If you find that a large number of trains in your itinerary have AC class, then this would be the most suitable product for you as it would justify the extra expenditure. Otherwise, you may find that you have purchased the Top AC Class but are travelling by AC 2 Tier for your journeys.
- AC Class sectors exist in major routes. If you are travelling by Rajdhani expresses, then this is one of the most enjoyable experiences for AC Class travel. If you are purchasing this type of ticket it is well worth adding the sectors which have Shatabdi expresses and Rajdhani expresses. In such circumstances, it is well worth purchasing this type of ticket even if there is a lower percentage of AC class availability on your proposed routes.
(2) Ist Class permits travel in AC II Tier, Standard Ist Class or AC Chaircar.
There are basin/toilet facilities at either end of the carriage. Bedding is provided in AC 2 Tier but not provided in Standard Ist class but can be ordered against payment in advance at certain stations.
Air conditioned corridor carriage that sleeps 46 peole split up into 2 & 4 berth cubicles separated by curtains. A diagram of the layout is shown below:-
AC 2 Tier
A photo of AC 2 Tier is shown below:-
Standard Ist Class:
Offers non air conditioned accommodation for two berth (one up & one down) or four berth (2 up & 2 down). Note: The policy of the Indian Railways is to phase out Standard Ist Class). This layout is similar to the plan view diagram of the Air Conditioned Class carriage but without air conditioning, bedding and in many cases without attendant services. A photo of the same is shown below:-
Standard First Class
AC Chaircar:
Air conditioned carriage with reclining seats. A photo of the same is shown below:-
AC Chaircar
(3) Second class:
Seats/berths (in some cases wooden and in some cushioned) and toilets (Indian style). We do not recommend second class travel for travellers.
COST
The cost of the Indrail pass is dependent on the class and duration of travel. Details are given below:-
| Duration (Days) | AC Class | Ist Cl/AC II Tier/AC Ch | 2nd Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half * | 57 | 26 | 11 |
| One * | 95 | 43 | 19 |
| Two * | 160 | 70 | 30 |
| 4 | 220 | 110 | 50 |
| 7 | 270 | 135 | 80 |
| 15 | 370 | 185 | 90 |
| 21 | 396 | 198 | 100 |
| 30 | 495 | 248 | 125 |
| 60 | 800 | 400 | 185 |
| 90 | 1060 | 530 | 235 |
* : Half day, one day & two days passes are pre-dated and pre-timed. For example if a person wishes to travel on the Mandore express (train 2462) from Jodhpur - Delhi, then he can avail of a half day pass. Train departs Jodhpur at 1930 hrs and arrives in Delhi at 0630 hrs the following morning. As the journey concludes within 12 hours of the journey (i.e. 0730 hrs the following morning), this is valid. Similarly, a person travelling from Bombay - Bangalore on train 1013 can obtain a one day pass as the train starts at 2220 and arrives in Bangalore at 2205 hrs on the following day. The dates and times are not changeable. Reservations can be made on the trains from the UK.
Two days, One Day & half day passes get downgraded on Rajdhani expresses. If you have an AC class pass you have to travel in AC 2 tier. If you have an AC 2 tier pass, you have to travel in AC 3 tier. This is not the case for duration passes.
Note:With the exception of half day & one day passes, all Indrail passes start at one minute past midnight of Day 1 and conclude at one minute to midnight of the concluding day. For example if a person purchases a 15 Days Indrail pass starting from 15 Dec 2001, he or she is allowed to start using it on any train fom 0001 on 15 Dec 2001. All travel must then be completed by 2359 hrs on 29 Dec 2001.
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