Types of Coaches in a Train-Indian Railway

One of the important train travel trip which would be helpful for you is given below. Indian railway denote Coaches in a train by giving short codes.Some of the codes are confusing for some passengers who are not frequent travellers.So understanding the short forms of different types of coaches in an Indian Train will help them to identify their coaches as well as avoid any mistakes they may commit.

For a passenger train,the number of coaches varies from 8(Local passenger) to 24 depending upon train and route.It includes General compartments,sleepers,sitting,AC etc.It is not necessary that all trains have all types of coaches.Below are the short forms of different coaches and their description.

H= 1st class AC

A = 2-tier AC

B = 3-tier AC (3A)

HA = 1st class AC/2-tier AC combination

AB = 2 & 3 tier AC combination

E = Executive Chair Class AC

C = AC Chair Car

FC or F =First Class non AC

S = (SL)Sleeper Class

D/2S = Bookable 2nd class seat

UR=Unreserved class/General coach

PC=Pantry Car

SLR=Seating Cum Luggage Rake-Guard. Luggage, Ladies, Handicapped are accommodated in this coach 

G=3 tier AC(Garib Rath)

J=AC Chair Car(Garib Rath) 

Keeping an eye on these different codes will help you to avoid any last minute mistake and easily identify your compartment.

If you have any suggestions to add,please feel free to comment below...

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Talgo Train service in India

In continuation to its modernization efforts, Indian Railway brings Spanish Semi-High speed train Talgo train to India.The first trial run conducted on 29-05-2016 at Bareilly-Moradabad line in UP.The test was successful and more test services are planned to ensure its adaptability to indian conditions and Safety.The test ride was conducted with speed of  80-115 km/hour.Once the tests are over,the train can run with speed up to 180 km/hour. Talgo trains are capable of running up to 250 km/hour.But Indian Railway may restrict its speed up to 180 km/hour for safety.

The nine-coach train used for test ride consists of four chair cars,two executive cars,a cafeteria,a power car and a tail end coach.The train left Bareilly at 9.05 AM and reached  Moradabad at 10.15 AM.

Besides high Speed and reduced travel time,the train will consume 30% less Energy.The light weight body and the material used makes it more energy efficient.

Even though it was a smooth ride,Indian Railway will officially announce the success of the test only after completing the remaining test rides.They will record the timings and other parameters of each test ride and the data will be analysed thoroughly.After that only they will conclude the result.

  

"The tain will continue on the same route till 12th June" Said Rajiv Mishra NER General Manager.Once this route trials are over,train will be moved to Rajadhani route between Mathura and palwal for further testing.

The coaches were shipped from Barcelona and they reached Mumbai Port on 21st April.It was further transported to the test route.

Note:-Sand sacks are put inside the train for test purpose.Hence the interiorors may seems less attractive in the images.Actually interiors are very attractive and Luxurious in Talgo train.

Some of the unique features of Talgo Train are

• The maximum speed of Talgo train is 250 km/hour.In India,it will be restricted up to 180 km/hours.
• Talgo train coaches would save up to 1 crore compared to other LBH coaches used in Shatabdi and Rajdhani Expresses.
• Talgo trains are 30% more fuel efficient compared to other Indian trains
• Modern interiors and facilities makes Talgo train journey equal to Air travel. 
• The train can run on curves without decelerating its speed.
• The wheels can rotate independently.
• Low Centre of Gravity of coaches provide more stability and safety.

Once Talgo train start commercial service,it will reduce Delhi-Mumbai Train travel time from 16 hours to 12 Hours.Currently Rajdhani Express take 16 hours to reach Mumbai from Delhi.

Indian Railway started its fastest train service Gatimaan Express in April month. Gatimaan Express is capable of running with maximum speed of  160 km/hour.The train currently service in Delhi-Agra route.Once Talgo Express start its commercial service,it would become fastest train service in India.

Now the real challenge is our Rail tracks and infrastructure.Whether our Infrastructure and Signal systems are capable to meet the requirement of such High speed trains?.Hope we will get an answer when commercial service of Talgo train begin.

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Gatimaan Express-Fastest Train in India started service

India's High speed train service era began by the first service of Semi-High Speed Train Gatiman Express on 05-04-2016.Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off Gatimaan Express. The train run between Hazrat Nizhamuddin and Agra Cantonment.It will take 1 hour 40 minutes for the train to complete the journey. Maximum speed of Gatimaan Express is 160 km/hr. The train will operate six days a week except Friday. Gatimaan Express with start from Nizhamuddin at 8.30 AM and reach Agra Cantonment station at 9.50 AM.Evening it departs Agra Cantt station at 5.50 PM and reach Nizhamuddin at 7.30 PM.It is having eight Chair Cars and two Executive Cars.The chair car fare is 690 and Executive class fare is 1365.

Being the fastest train in India,the semi-high speed train is having lots of specialities.Below are some of these specialities which make the train unique among other Indian trains.

Train Hostesses

Indian railway is trying to upgrade the services they provide to its passengers through various initiatives.One such initiative is the availability of  Train Hostesses in the train. Gatimaan Express passengers are assisted with the train hostesses who are in uniform.They will take care of the passengers like the Air hostesses.Train Hostesses welcomed Gatimaan Express passengers with roses during the first day of the service.

Cuisines

Both Indian and Continental cuisines are available in Gatimaan Express.Passengers can choose their food from the Menu.Menu includes Upma, Dosa,Idli,Dry fruits,Chicken roll etc. Chicken items and Egg items are also present in the Menu.

Access to Multimedia

The Hotspots installed in each coach will give access to multimedia contents like Movies,TV,Videos,News etc. It's free of cost.Passengers have to download the App for using the services.

Latest Technologies

Indian Railway is trying to provide best in class service to Gatimaan Express passengers.The train is equipped with High-Power emergency breaking system,Automatic fire alarm,Bio-toilets, GPS based passenger information system and Live TV service.

Well trained Loco Pilots

The Pilots of Gatimaan Express are selected through processes.Railway is conducting Psychological and medical examination to select top Loco Pilots in the country for Gatimaan Express.Through this,Railway is trying to make Gatimaan Express the safest one.

Even though there are so many limitations like the speed(Speed of 160 km/hr is only half the speed of  most of the trains running in China and Japan),Engine capacity,infrastructure lagging etc,Gatimaan Express is projecting the Changing face of Indian Railway.Hope this modernization efforts will continue and the worlds largest railway will get completely modern. 

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Maharajas' Express-Indian Luxury Train

Maharajas Express is the topest luxury train running in India.Among five luxury trains running in India,this one is super luxury.This wonderful train offer tour to five different routes across India.Even though the routes and packages are designed for foreign passengers,Indian citizens having affordable revenue also prefer to experience the super luxury in Maharajas Express.The Five routes cover 12 destinations across North-West and Central India.

The other Luxury trains which run in India are

1. The Palace on Wheels
2. Royal Rajasthan on wheels
3. Deccan Odyssey
4. Golden Chariot

Maharajas Express is owned by IRCTC,The Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajasthan trains are owned by Rajasthan TDC(Tourism Development Corporation),Deccan Odyssey is owned by Maharashtra TDC and The Golden Chariot is owned by Karnataka TDC.Among the five trains,Golden chariot is the only luxury train which focus mainly on South India.

The distinct facilities provided by Maharajas Express are

1. Air Ambunalce facility in case of Emergency
2. 24 hrs Paramedic on board
3. Live Television,Wifi and CCTV cameras on public area
4. Most spacious passenger cabin
5. Ultimate Royal Experience in each and every parts of the train
6. Most modern Wash Rooms and Dining
7. Seven Star Luxury
8. Various facilities for recreational activities
9. Bar 

The Maharajas Express was voted three times in a row as "World's Leading Luxury Train ".

Because of terrorist threats and high charges for the tickets,foreigners are not preferring Maharajas express now.Air ticket fares are also cheap now.This made huge decline in the number of booking for the train.Indian railway is making efforts to make the journey more attractive and they are planning to reduce ticket fare also that middle class people can also afford the journey.This will surely increase the number of booking as this is an untapped segment.Hope we can also afford fares of Maharajas Express.

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16346 Trivandrum-LTT Netravati Express travel review

Train No 16346 Netravati Express start from Trivandrum the capital of Kerala and complete the journey at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Kurla.The train travel through Konkan route which connects Mumbai to Goa,Mangalore and Kerala.The train start at 9.50 AM and reach LTT at 4.40 PM.At monsoon,timing will change and the train reach LTT at 5.45 PM.As most of the day time train passes through beautiful places in Konkan route,this train is preferred by travellers who prefer to enjoy nature while travelling.

I booked Netravati express for my travel from Thalassey to LTT in sleeper compartment. On 09-05-2016 I boarded the train from Thalassery.The train was not very much crowded and there were vacant seats too.The sleeper coach was neat and clean and most of the passengers were with family.Train was 1 hour late while reaching Thalassery. I was supposed to reach Thalassery at 8.05 PM but reached around 9 PM.Train started from thalassery within 2 minutes.

Inside the compartment,there was a group of travellers going to Goa. They were very much excited about the journey and was talking about things to do in Goa.Once the train passed Kannur station,I had my dinner.TTE came and checked everyone's ticket.

Train reached Kasargod at 10.45 PM.The group was still talking and there was no sign that they will go to bed.I prepared for sleeping but was not able to get proper sleep because of the noise created by the group.Later they went to sleep.

around 5.30 AM,train reached Madagoan Junction and all of the passengers in the group left the train.All other passengers were disturbed by the noise they made while leaving train.Some passengers were so angry that they were shouting.One new family boarded the train from Madagoan junction and their seat was just opposite to me.

Train reached Ratnagiri at at 9.30 AM. I woke up and went to toilet.Some of the toilets were not clean and some were good.If you wake up late,it is little chance that you find a neat toilet.that was exactly what happened with me.Even though I was expecting the same in a sleeper coach.Since there was no Cup in the toilet,I had to use my plastic water bottle(Keep am empty water bottle with you always!!)

The train has one Pantry car,12 sleeper coaches,5 AC coaches and 2 General coaches.The food served by catering team is of low quality and not even good to eat.They are serving low quality Vada with Idly as breakfast.So better not to buy anything from caterers,keep something in your bag while entering train or buy fruits from villagers who sell inside train.I bought Banana from a villager and it was very tasty.Indian railway required to take lots of efforts to improve the quality of food served inside compartments.

You can see lots of people sell products inside the train.I think this is the main source of income for most of the Villagers throughout the Konkan route.You need to be very careful while buying products as many have mixed experiences.

The train was travelling through the forest and hills of the Konkan route.Even though the summer was at its peak,there was lots of water bodies and greeneries present in the route.You can even sea waterfalls also.That is exactly the speciality of this route.If you are travelling through this route during monsoon,it will be a lifetime memory.

 The family was speaking in Tulu that I was not able to understand a single word.They also know English and Hindi.I communicated with them in English and understood that they were going to Mumbai-Thane to meet their relatives.

The train was very slow and was stopping in almost all stops.Once the greeneries were over,I started to feel bored.The heavy heat inside the compartment was also unbearable.Anyway,the overall experience of the journey was good.It was the summer heat that made issue.

After Roha,train gained speed.Once it reached Panvel,it was almost on-time.At 3.20 PM,train reached Panvel. Exactly at 4.40 PM,train reached LTT. In between at Thane,the Tulu family left the train.

The overall journey was satisfactory.The train traveled a little bit slow and stoped frequently for signals.The heavy heat also made problem in Sleeper and General compartments.If you are keen about the neatness of compartments,you can expect average/above average neatness only.Now some railway workers are cleaning the toilets and compartments during the journey also.Thanks for Rail ministry for the new initiative.But still,there is no tremendous progress visible.

The train is suitable for those who want to Travel in Sleeper coach and enjoy the Nature.If you want to travel in 3 tier AC,better option would be Garib Rath as it goes faster and has cheap fare for AC.If you have any such experience of travelling in a train,please free to share with us. 

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12619 LTT-Mangalore Matsyagandha Express Journey

Train number 12619 Matsyagandha Express starts from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and 3.20 PM and reach at Mangalore Central at 7.30 AM.The train travel through Konkan route which is Konkan Railway.The places after mumbai like Khed,Chiplun,Ratnagiri,Kudal and places between Madagaon junction and Uduppi are famous for their Natural beauty.This is the speciality of this route that you can enjoy one of the most beautiful ghats in India which is Konkan while travelling in a Train.

Matsyagandha Express

This is a story of my journey from Mumbai to Kannur(Kerala).Actually I booked my tickets in Train no-12201 LTT-Kochuveli Garib Rath. Unfortunately my tickets were in waiting list and I was not able to get Tatkal ticket also.Bus tickets also were not available.So I was forced to travel in General compartment,but for Garib Rath,it is not available.

Thus I decided to go by Matsyagandha General compartment till Mangalore and from there catch some other train which go to Kerala.I was very exited about the Second class travel in Konkan route as I am doing it first time.

The travel was on 6-05-2016(friday).I left my office at 1.00 PM(by taking half day leave) and directly went to railway station.Some of my friends advised me not to travel in second class and warned me about the possibility of a long queue for second compartment entry.I reached LTT at 1.30 PM,took my ticket(Rs.300)  and reached 5th platform(as given in the display) from where the train Matsyagandha starts.

As expected,there was a long Queue for General compartment.The train is having five general compartments.2 near Engine(Towards Mangalore) and 3 at back side.So I decided to be in Queue for 3 compartments at the back side.

Around 2.50 PM  the train Matsyagandha came to the Platform no 5. RPF managed people to enter the second class compartment as per their positions in the Queue.The queue was implemented after the incident of 3 children killed during a rush for entering General compartment. 

RPF filled travellers in the queue in General compartments one by one.When one compartment filled,second one opened.When my turn came,Second compartment was full and 3rd one was almost filled.Anyway I managed to get a seat in the compartment.Soon the compartment got filled and lots of people were standing without getting seat.Some travellers managed to sit in the berth for luggage and some sat at the floor.

The Compartment was neat and clean and The train maintains good neatness in all sleeper and AC compartments.

Exactly at 3.20 PM ,Matsyagandha started to move.The second class compartments were filled completely and there was not even a single free space.In my long seat 5 people were sitting. Actually I was very excited about the journey before entering the compartment,but now I am very much worried how to pass time inside the compartment.

The Train stopped at Thane at 3.45 PM.More people entered the compartment.Now the compartment is fully jammed.The situation was very pathetic.The people who were not able to get the seat were standing in the crowd and were becoming weak.To my surprise,some families also entered in the General compartment from Thane.

My advise to people who plan to travel in General compartment of Matsyagandha from Mumbai is - Please try to board the Train from starting point i.e LTT itself.Try to come early and stand in front position of the Queue.This will ease your entire journey.Otherwise you have to face the entire difficulties of travelling in the Second class coach.

Some gang entered from Thane were drunk.They made issues with ladies and other passengers.Anyway other travellers managed to keep them silent. Even though the situation in the compartment was very difficult,the cooperation between travellers were amazing.

The train reached Panvel at 4.40 PM.More people entered the train.The crowd was at its peak.Since its a summer season,the coach was very hot.The rush inside the coach made it worst.Once the train started to move,we got some relaxation to the heat.

Till Khed,people were entering the train,from Khed onwards,travellers started to leave also,this gave us some relaxation to the crowd,but till Ratnagiri,the compartment was a mess.

Train reached Ratnagiri at 10.30 PM 1 hours late.Now there is a relaxation to the crowd but still some passengers were standing.It reached Madagoan Jn which is near to Goa at 1.50 AM.

I was not able to sleep as 5 passengers were sitting in a seat where 4 people can sit.I was expecting the same and tried to sleep by bending towards my legs.Hardly I managed to get 1 hours sleep.

Since the train passed all beautiful places during night,I missed all those places to enjoy the sceneries.Train reached Mangalore Jn at 7.30 AM.

There was another train Ernad Express which start from Mangalore to Nagarcoil  which departs at 7.20 AM.I missed that train for a matter of 10 minutes.I really wondered why Indian railway is maintaining such a stupid time table.If they adjust the train timings for 10 minutes,there would have been a connecting train for Matsyagandha and this Ernad express travel across entire Kerala.So we may get connected Expresses from Mumbai to Trivandrum/Nagarcoil. Anyway I have to wait till 8.30 AM to get another train which is Yesvantpur-Kannur Express coming from Bangalore to kannur.I took that Express ticket(Rs.60).

Luckily there was another Passenger train which depart at 7.45 AM.It was 56324 Mangalore-Coimbatore fast passenger.I got that train.Almost all seats were vacant.2 to 3 people were there in each compartment.It stopped at each stations but was going very fast.Still I was ahead of Garib Rath. But when passenger train reached at Kanhangad, Garib Rath did overtake.I reached  Kannur at 10.40 AM(07-05-2016).It took almost 19 Hours to reach Kannur from Mumbai.

The entire Journey was adventurous,but there was difficulties of its own.Any way Indian railway gave me great experience by not giving confirmed ticket and force me to take General class ticket.

If you have any such experiences,please feel free to comment below.  

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