The Indian Railway has different types of coaches which are divided into air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned. First Class AC (1AC), AC Two Tier or Second Class AC (2AC), AC Three Tier or Third Class AC (3AC), and AC Chair Class are air-conditioned classes.
The first AC has the most amenities which makes it the most expensive, the 2nd AC has fewer amenities which makes it less expensive, the 3rd AC has the least amenities and is the least expensive.
The ministry of railway manages and owns the Indian railway which is a complex network of stations and tracks. Because of its size, the system can be quite difficult to navigate. Even native Indians have difficulty obtaining the information they require from the system.
As an Indian, we all know that traveling by train is not as easy as just buying a ticket and boarding the train. It can be very confusing with different trains, different routes, different times, as well as reservation, non-reservation, Tatkal, Premium Tatkal, but also options for the types of tickets that passenger wants.
The Indian Railway has different types of coaches which are divided into air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned. First Class AC (1AC), AC Two Tier or Second Class AC (2AC), AC Three Tier or Third Class AC (3AC), and AC Chair Class are air-conditioned classes.
Indian also has AC Chair Class which are only accessible on short-distance trains, such as day trips. For those who want to travel for long distances or an overnight trip, the Indian railway has provided the cheaper non-air conditioned classes and the more expensive and luxurious air-conditioned classes. Now let’s take a look at three different types of air-conditioned coaches.
First AC Class
First Class AC (1AC), as the name implies, is the most expensive and luxurious accommodation available on the Indian Railways. 1st Ac has the most amenities like its compartments are typically, large and carpeted, with a sink and individual reading lights. They also can be locked for privacy and are non-crowded. Some trains also have charging points for mobiles and other electronics. There are clean bathrooms and showers accessible. Food, pillows, bedding, and blankets are all provided free of charge. These services, however, are not inexpensive. The 1AC berth is not only the most expensive on the train, but it can also be comparable to a plane ticket at times.
Second Ac Class
Second Class Air Conditioning (2AC) is a decent compromise between facilities and price. The 2nd ac is also not crowded because it only has four births. In the aisle bay, there are only two berths. The compartment doesn’t have lockable doors but they have curtains for privacy. They don’t have sinks or charging points, but they do have individual reading lights. Pillows, bedding, blankets, and food are all still provided free of charge. The toilets aren’t as clean or as well-equipped as the ones at the 1 ac, for example, there’s no shower, but they’re still adequate.
Third Ac class
The third Ac provides fewer amenities in comparison to the other two Ac classes but according to pricing the facilities are quite decent. Its facilities are better than non Ac compartments. It doesn’t provide curtains or lockable door for privacy. It also doesn’t have sinks, charging points or individual reading lights. Food is not complimentry but it does have clean spaces available, as well as cushions, sheets, and blankets. The toilets are generally clean, especially at the start of the ride, but depending on the amount of people, they may become filthy. It has 6 births so it can be crowded for some passengers. There are two births in the aisle bay. But if we compare the crowd of non-Ac compartment then this is nothing.