Cleanness in Sleeper class

Manicek · Oct 2nd, 2003, 19:46

Can anybody inform me about hygienic standarts in train class "Sleeper"(seats, bunks, WC)? Some days ago I read in one thread that 1AC and 2AC class has built-in windows which cannot be put down and now I do not know whether Sleeper waggons have also glass in windows or only grids(which imply a lot of dust inside waggon during travelling) For comparison the most dirty waggons I have seen in Europe were in Romania and in countries of former Soviet Union. Is situation in Indian Sleeper waggons similar(better?, worse?). Thanks for information

Vasko · Oct 2nd, 2003, 20:08

Hi Manicek,

You might want to check out the following site: http://www.seat61.com/

It's got photos of all the classes and a ton of info, not only on Indian trains but all over the world.

Vasko

steven_ber · Oct 3rd, 2003, 04:15

Below is some information I give in another thread about FC (First Class non air-con), the 'window' situation is the same in Sleeper Class.

-----------------------------------------------
FC is fantastic value for money, though sadly most of the carriages are being phased out and replaced with 3A (3-tier air-con).

The carriage is the same as 1A, but without the air-con, these carriages are older than the 1A, and also not as well looked after, though a quick wipe down with a cloth does wonders.

You have an option of a plain glass window or a metal shutter (to keep the sun out), both of these can be pulled up or down, when they are both up, you are left with only 3 or 4 bars across the space, remember to pull them down at night as people can put there hand through and take things.
-------------------------------------------------

There are no western toilets in Sleeper Class; it can be interesting trying to use an Indian toilet on a moving train.

(Is it polite to pee in a train sink?

)

If you tell me your likely route, I will tell you if there are FC carriages available. (They are cheaper than 2-tier air con)

IMHO, You see and feel much less of India in an air-con train carriage, FC or Sleeper are much better.

wonderwomanusa · Oct 3rd, 2003, 04:22

I loved first class; will be sorry to not have it available on this trip.

steven_ber · Oct 3rd, 2003, 04:32

Gretchen

What makes you think FC won't be available?

There are quite a few trains that still have FC carriages on them, and not just Metre Gauge.

I know you don't plan your route too far in advance, but if there are any trips you have to do, let me know, I will see if I can find any trains with FC that run on that route.

wonderwomanusa · Oct 3rd, 2003, 06:09

By the time I'm ready to plan trips, I will have Trains at a Glance and will know which trains have FC.

I thought they were phasing it out quickly and that I'd have problems finding FC, but apparently not.

I'll get to Delhi just before Diwali starts, so may have a few days to plan... since I might not be able to get out of town right away. We'lll see...

Thanks!

Colin · Oct 3rd, 2003, 08:36

Steven, does the Kalka mail from Calcutta to Delhi have FC? I have always used this train for its convenient departure/arrival times. If not, can you reccomend a train with FC from Cal to Delhi?

-m2- · Oct 3rd, 2003, 23:15

Manicek: regarding cleanliness in SL, the pictures don't tell the whole story. While there will be a bit more dust due to open windows, the real problem is that entry is not 'controlled' as in the a/c classes and this means that if the train is crowded and the unreserved cars are overflowing, then during the day there will be passengers without reservations looking for a place to sit and during the night, while your berth will be ok, the corridors may be crowded -- needless to say the toilets and washing facilities will probably be pretty rough from all the extra demands.

The extra space, relatively clean toilets and wash-up facilities, and controlled access are the primary advantages of a/c class especially in the winter when the a/c is not particularly necessary (except that the windows are sealed). I agree with all of the forgoing regarding the superiority of non a/c FC which is spacious, comfortable and unfortunately not widely available.

Colin · Oct 4th, 2003, 01:28

After a helpful eMail from Ivo Manicek I went to the Indiarail website. Seems the only FC train is TN 3007 which would be OK except the fare for FC is triple the Sleeper Class fare, Rs1353 compared to Rs433, seems a bit steep, sleeper class is not so bad and its only two days... a decision I will postpone I think.

-m2- · Oct 4th, 2003, 05:05

Colin: it's worth looking at the timing of the various trains as well; #3007 is scheduled at 35 or so hours and the other train with FC, #3111 (Sealdah-Delhi), is 31+. The Howrah-Kalka mail, #2311 is only 24hrs, and if you wanted to splash out on the #2301 Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani (approx 1500rp 3ac) it is only 17hours (dept 1700 arv 0950). The Rajdhani fare is from the '03 Rail Duniya and doesn't include any extra charges but you do get meals.

The other options only look a bit expensive as SL class is so cheap; an extra 1100 or so rupees is less than $25US and for a long trip the extra comfort and speed would be worth it if your budget not real tight. At least that's how I'd look at it -- by comparison a flight would set you back $210 + 10 fees for around 10,000 rupees, making the good train option appear cheap

Colin · Oct 4th, 2003, 14:53

Thanks M2, the good old Kalka mail just about takes the prize, $25 for me is more than AUD40. thats two days budget!! Not that I am mean or anything, ask Alan_D for a reference (or better still, ask Caroline...). If I win the lottery tonight I will splash out on an airfare BKK-Delhi rather then BKK-Calcutta and solve the problem that way!!

steven_ber · Oct 4th, 2003, 17:36

I did a long reply to this yesterday, only to have my PC freeze on me…

The short answer to FC being available on the Delhi – Mumbai – Chennai – Calcutta – Delhi route is No.

This route is known in India as the Golden Quadrangle, the passenger numbers on these routes account for more than 50% of the total numbers on Indian Railways, these were the first routes to lose FC carriages; Air Conditioned carriages are more profitable.

Only last year there were still FC carriages on 1 train on the Delhi – Mumbai + Chennai – Calcutta routes, how fast thing change, train 3007 still has FC from Calcutta to Delhi, but as –M2- says, it’s slow, train 3111 no longer has FC.

Colin, if you want a morning departure and arrival in Sleeper class, you could get the Poorva Express, it departs Howrah at 09:10 or 09:25 (depending on day of week) and gets to New Delhi at 08:10 the next morning.

I will do a new thread on FC availability and put a link here.

In the meantime…. I did the following calculation.

On the Delhi – Calcutta route a full carriage would give Indian Railways the following amounts of Rupee’s.

1A = 18 berths X Rs3443 = 61,974
2A = 46 berths X Rs1871 = 86,066
3A = 64 berths X Rs1163 = 74,432
FC = 26 berths X Rs1353 = 35,178
SL = 72 berths X Rs 433 = 31,176
II = 300 pockets of air X Rs 238 = does anyone pay?

You can see why they want to phase FC out, Sleeper should be OK though, it’s very popular.

Colin · Oct 5th, 2003, 02:58

Thanks Steven, POORVA EXP does look good, the arrival in Delhi at 8 in the morning would be very convenient, I will scribble it in the margin of my LP along with all the other scribbles!!

-m2- · Oct 5th, 2003, 05:15

Has anyone used the RR booking office at the Kolkatta airport? I didn't notice it the last time I passed through a few years ago; do they have tourist quotas and are they open 24/7?

Oct 2nd, 2003, 19:46	#1
Manicek Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 34	Cleanness in Sleeper class Can anybody inform me about hygienic standarts in train class "Sleeper"(seats, bunks, WC)? Some days ago I read in one thread that 1AC and 2AC class has built-in windows which cannot be put down and now I do not know whether Sleeper waggons have also glass in windows or only grids(which imply a lot of dust inside waggon during travelling) For comparison the most dirty waggons I have seen in Europe were in Romania and in countries of former Soviet Union. Is situation in Indian Sleeper waggons similar(better?, worse?). Thanks for information

Oct 3rd, 2003, 04:22	#4
wonderwomanusa Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 3,479	I loved first class; will be sorry to not have it available on this trip. __________________ The map is not the territory. --Alfred Korzybski

Oct 3rd, 2003, 04:32	#5
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London, England. Posts: 9,160	Gretchen What makes you think FC won't be available? There are quite a few trains that still have FC carriages on them, and not just Metre Gauge. I know you don't plan your route too far in advance, but if there are any trips you have to do, let me know, I will see if I can find any trains with FC that run on that route. __________________ . How to get helpful replies to your transport/Itinerary questions. Train information.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
pros and cons of sleeper class train travel	dessy	Indian Railways	34	Nov 23rd, 2005 00:12
Seats numbers - sleeper class	kailash35	Indian Railways	4	Nov 3rd, 2005 12:47
2 AC Sleeper	canadoz	Indian Railways	7	Nov 3rd, 2004 04:49
AC class vs sleeper class	michaelb77	Indian Railways	27	Oct 28th, 2004 23:57
'Woes of Sleeper Class Travel'	-m2-	Indian Railways	5	May 10th, 2003 00:18

Oct 2nd, 2003, 20:08	#2
Vasko Non-speaker fruit-eater Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: State of Contemplation Posts: 482	Hi Manicek, You might want to check out the following site: http://www.seat61.com/ It's got photos of all the classes and a ton of info, not only on Indian trains but all over the world. Vasko

Oct 3rd, 2003, 04:15	#3
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London, England. Posts: 9,160	Below is some information I give in another thread about FC (First Class non air-con), the 'window' situation is the same in Sleeper Class. ----------------------------------------------- FC is fantastic value for money, though sadly most of the carriages are being phased out and replaced with 3A (3-tier air-con). The carriage is the same as 1A, but without the air-con, these carriages are older than the 1A, and also not as well looked after, though a quick wipe down with a cloth does wonders. You have an option of a plain glass window or a metal shutter (to keep the sun out), both of these can be pulled up or down, when they are both up, you are left with only 3 or 4 bars across the space, remember to pull them down at night as people can put there hand through and take things. ------------------------------------------------- There are no western toilets in Sleeper Class; it can be interesting trying to use an Indian toilet on a moving train. (Is it polite to pee in a train sink? ) If you tell me your likely route, I will tell you if there are FC carriages available. (They are cheaper than 2-tier air con) IMHO, You see and feel much less of India in an air-con train carriage, FC or Sleeper are much better. Last edited by steven_ber : Oct 15th, 2003 at 07:12.

Oct 3rd, 2003, 06:09	#6
wonderwomanusa Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 3,479	By the time I'm ready to plan trips, I will have Trains at a Glance and will know which trains have FC. I thought they were phasing it out quickly and that I'd have problems finding FC, but apparently not. I'll get to Delhi just before Diwali starts, so may have a few days to plan... since I might not be able to get out of town right away. We'lll see... Thanks!

Oct 3rd, 2003, 08:36	#7
Colin Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Pai, Mae Hong Son, Thailand Posts: 208	Steven, does the Kalka mail from Calcutta to Delhi have FC? I have always used this train for its convenient departure/arrival times. If not, can you reccomend a train with FC from Cal to Delhi?

Oct 3rd, 2003, 23:15	#8
-m2- . Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: . Posts: 1,577	Manicek: regarding cleanliness in SL, the pictures don't tell the whole story. While there will be a bit more dust due to open windows, the real problem is that entry is not 'controlled' as in the a/c classes and this means that if the train is crowded and the unreserved cars are overflowing, then during the day there will be passengers without reservations looking for a place to sit and during the night, while your berth will be ok, the corridors may be crowded -- needless to say the toilets and washing facilities will probably be pretty rough from all the extra demands. The extra space, relatively clean toilets and wash-up facilities, and controlled access are the primary advantages of a/c class especially in the winter when the a/c is not particularly necessary (except that the windows are sealed). I agree with all of the forgoing regarding the superiority of non a/c FC which is spacious, comfortable and unfortunately not widely available.

Oct 4th, 2003, 01:28	#9
Colin Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Pai, Mae Hong Son, Thailand Posts: 208	After a helpful eMail from Ivo Manicek I went to the Indiarail website. Seems the only FC train is TN 3007 which would be OK except the fare for FC is triple the Sleeper Class fare, Rs1353 compared to Rs433, seems a bit steep, sleeper class is not so bad and its only two days... a decision I will postpone I think.

Oct 4th, 2003, 05:05	#10
-m2- . Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: . Posts: 1,577	Colin: it's worth looking at the timing of the various trains as well; #3007 is scheduled at 35 or so hours and the other train with FC, #3111 (Sealdah-Delhi), is 31+. The Howrah-Kalka mail, #2311 is only 24hrs, and if you wanted to splash out on the #2301 Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani (approx 1500rp 3ac) it is only 17hours (dept 1700 arv 0950). The Rajdhani fare is from the '03 Rail Duniya and doesn't include any extra charges but you do get meals. The other options only look a bit expensive as SL class is so cheap; an extra 1100 or so rupees is less than $25US and for a long trip the extra comfort and speed would be worth it if your budget not real tight. At least that's how I'd look at it -- by comparison a flight would set you back $210 + 10 fees for around 10,000 rupees, making the good train option appear cheap

Oct 4th, 2003, 14:53	#11
Colin Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Pai, Mae Hong Son, Thailand Posts: 208	Thanks M2, the good old Kalka mail just about takes the prize, $25 for me is more than AUD40. thats two days budget!! Not that I am mean or anything, ask Alan_D for a reference (or better still, ask Caroline...). If I win the lottery tonight I will splash out on an airfare BKK-Delhi rather then BKK-Calcutta and solve the problem that way!!

Oct 4th, 2003, 17:36	#12
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London, England. Posts: 9,160	I did a long reply to this yesterday, only to have my PC freeze on me… The short answer to FC being available on the Delhi – Mumbai – Chennai – Calcutta – Delhi route is No. This route is known in India as the Golden Quadrangle, the passenger numbers on these routes account for more than 50% of the total numbers on Indian Railways, these were the first routes to lose FC carriages; Air Conditioned carriages are more profitable. Only last year there were still FC carriages on 1 train on the Delhi – Mumbai + Chennai – Calcutta routes, how fast thing change, train 3007 still has FC from Calcutta to Delhi, but as –M2- says, it’s slow, train 3111 no longer has FC. Colin, if you want a morning departure and arrival in Sleeper class, you could get the Poorva Express, it departs Howrah at 09:10 or 09:25 (depending on day of week) and gets to New Delhi at 08:10 the next morning. I will do a new thread on FC availability and put a link here. In the meantime…. I did the following calculation. On the Delhi – Calcutta route a full carriage would give Indian Railways the following amounts of Rupee’s. 1A = 18 berths X Rs3443 = 61,974 2A = 46 berths X Rs1871 = 86,066 3A = 64 berths X Rs1163 = 74,432 FC = 26 berths X Rs1353 = 35,178 SL = 72 berths X Rs 433 = 31,176 II = 300 pockets of air X Rs 238 = does anyone pay? You can see why they want to phase FC out, Sleeper should be OK though, it’s very popular.

Oct 5th, 2003, 02:58	#13
Colin Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Pai, Mae Hong Son, Thailand Posts: 208	Thanks Steven, POORVA EXP does look good, the arrival in Delhi at 8 in the morning would be very convenient, I will scribble it in the margin of my LP along with all the other scribbles!!

User Name		Remember Me?
Password

Oct 5th, 2003, 05:15	#14
-m2- . Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: . Posts: 1,577	Has anyone used the RR booking office at the Kolkatta airport? I didn't notice it the last time I passed through a few years ago; do they have tourist quotas and are they open 24/7?