[Kevin WS]

For those interested in the Indian Railways train classes I will try and explain these. There are 10 classes I know of, but there could be a few more!

Here we go...........

Unreserved General Class (UR) - wooden benches, free for all. Cheapest.

Second Class (2S) - reserved. Also called "Second Sitting". Three seats either side of an aisle. Non reclining.

Sleeper Class (SL) - carriages are divided into open-plan compartments with six beds in each, stacked vertically in three tiers on either side. During the day, the middle beds must be folded down flat against the compartment walls to allow passengers to sit on the lower beds. Two tiers of beds are also located outside the compartments, along the aisle.

Three Tier Air Conditioned Class (3AC) - as per SL above. But air-conditioned and bedding supplied.

Two Tier Air Conditioned Class (2AC) - as per 3AC above. But only two tiers of beds, us berths have privacy curtains.

First Class Air Conditioned (1AC) - compartments have lockable doors, carpeting and either two or four beds, stacked vertically in tiers. Costs about the same as flying!

Executive Air Conditioned Chair Car (1A) - only on Shatabdi and selected Duronto Express trains. Carriages have only two seats on each side of the aisle. Railway version of airline business class!

Air Conditioned Chair Car (CC) - three seats on one side of the aisle, and two on the other.

Second Class Jan Shatabdi (CC ) - unlike normal Shatabdi Express premium trains, the Jan Shatabdi is a budget "people's" train. CC class has three seats either side of the aisle. Seats recline.

Second Class Jan Shatabdi (2S) - non air conditioned. Unlike 2S on other trains, there are no bench seats. All are padded, individual seats. However, they do not recline. Three seats either side of the aisles again.

Phew!