Knowing the Indian Train

spitze_udz · Feb 7th, 2005, 16:53

as an indian... i would recommend AC 3-Tier sleeper as it is not hard on pocket and is comfortable. To all the foreign tourists i would advice not to travel by Second Class (Unreserved) (not even if you have to postpone your journey) and not even by sleeper class (untill there is urgency).

The refund procedure is well defined for tickets when you have missed the train.... but its practically impossible to get it.... so do not waste your time on that and start looking for other options....

Banarasi at heart · Feb 15th, 2005, 03:28

Hi
I am a new member but have travelled extensively by train in India. I would like to add that non-AC travel is the best in the monsoon. Nothing like cool, moist air at a great speed. Especially at door class.

Krishnika · Mar 14th, 2005, 04:55

Although it's not the most popular choice on the forum, I voted for 3AC. It's so much more relaxing than nonAC not only for temperature, but for cleanliness and especially noise level. This is big deal for night trips. Also, no mosquitos. I never tried 2AC which I am sure is even more comfortable, but it didn't seem like the difference would be worth the extra cost.
On my one trip in II unreserved, the train was practically empty - from Madurai to Teni, and it was really great. It was only 2 hours too.
CC was a good choice for day travel - from Goa to Mumbai I was in a middle seat with a clear window (thankfully no magenta or yellow!) and there was no one on either side of me for the entire trip! And there were constant offers of food, chai, coffee, etc.
Love those trains!

SHIMLA · Mar 14th, 2005, 07:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krishnika

I never tried 2AC which I am sure is even more comfortable, but it didn't seem like the difference would be worth the extra cost.

Opinions differ, but I feel the difference is certainly worth paying for, if one can get LB/UB in 2AC. The cabin is less crowded and there is enough space for the luggage of two passengers below the berth. The curtains do provide a little bit of privacy too.

However, if one wants to travel 3AC for budgetary constraints, then one should opt for SL/SU. These are side berths and more comfortable than the squeeze on "inside" berths!

Krishnika · Mar 14th, 2005, 09:22

tried the side berths, but they were a little short. They are also lower than the upper berths and passing traffic in the aisles is more disturbing since you are at the level of peoples heads as they go by. It's a bit acrobatic to get into the upper berths, but they felt much more private than the side ones.

nedhopkins · Mar 14th, 2005, 11:12

Having traveled on trains all over Europe, including Russia, as well as Egypt, Peru, and Japan -- and the U.S. when trains were still the best mode of transportation -- I was surprised by Indian trains.

Coaches on the two Shatabdi expresses I took last December -- Delhi-Jaipur/CC, Agra-Delhi/1A -- were filthy and the seats were uncomfortable. (CC was two across; 1A, two and three.) Both trains were late: that to Jaipur by nearly two hours, that to Delhi by four. A third train, Varanasi-Agra/2A, was so late -- by 16 hours -- that we gave up and flew Varanasi-Delhi then took a taxi to Agra, arriving ten hours before the even more delayed 'express.'

On the other hand, the food service was good on both the Shatabdis.

I realize India is a very poor country with massive infrastructure problems. So, however, is Egypt. With the exception of the track for an hour or so outside Cairo, the Luxor sleeper is vastly superior to either of the Indian trains I took. Its fare is comparable; it's cleaner and more comfortable; and it has a diner that serves good food.

machadinha · Mar 14th, 2005, 11:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by nedhopkins

A third train, Varanasi-Agra/2A, was so late -- by 16 hours -- that we gave up and flew Varanasi-Delhi then took a taxi to Agra, arriving ten hours before the even more delayed 'express.'

If you can afford a plane and a taxi in case your train is a little late I see no reason to complain.

nedhopkins · Mar 14th, 2005, 12:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

If you can afford a plane and a taxi in case your train is a little late I see no reason to complain.

Where did I complain? All I did was describe experiences that might -- or might not -- be helpful to other travelers.

machadinha · Mar 14th, 2005, 12:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by nedhopkins

Where did I complain? All I did was describe experiences that might -- or might not -- be helpful to other travelers.

Huh??

'Filthy -- uncomfortable -- late -- we gave up and flew Varanasi-Delhi then took a taxi to Agra'

Now you're telling me you're not complaining?

Yetijuice · Mar 14th, 2005, 13:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

If you can afford a plane and a taxi in case your train is a little late I see no reason to complain.

Is this an attack against people who can afford to fly? What is your agenda, Machadinha? If someone has a schedule to keep it is reasonable to find substitute transportation when confronted with a late train. Writing about it encourages others to allow extra time in case a train delay happens to them. How much extra time should one allow: two hours, eight hours, one day? It pays to be aware of your alternative futures.

machadinha · Mar 14th, 2005, 13:28

No agenda whatsoever Yetijuice (you think I've invested in Indian Railways or what?).
I find it strange if someone complains about the bad state of Indian public transport then goes on to say oh well we took a plane instead. Not all of us can afford that, plus the flight being relatively cheap is probably a direct consequence of the system he's complaining about, i.e. it being a cheap place.
Yes it's good if people realize trains can be delayed for a day, that is also one reason not to sell them very strict itineraries for a week where you never know if you can make all your connections. Hey it's the third world remember, in Egypt that he speaks so lovingly of the bus still leaves when it's full and no sooner (unless you bought the bus maybe).

nedhopkins · Mar 15th, 2005, 06:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

If you can afford a plane and a taxi in case your train is a little late I see no reason to complain.

16 hours late (21 by the time the train reached Agra) = "a little late"? You must have all the time in the world.

[QUOTE-machadinha]'Filthy -- uncomfortable -- late -- we gave up and flew Varanasi-Delhi then took a taxi to Agra'[/quote]

Just stating facts. (And I didn't even mention the cockroaches.)

machadinha · Mar 15th, 2005, 09:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by nedhopkins

16 hours late (21 by the time the train reached Agra) = "a little late"?

In India? Yes, although it would be on the extreme side but I've waited longer.

By the time I got to expecting my trains to leave too late they would leave too early and you'd still have another X hour wait. I've skipped cities because of this.

Lotuse · May 7th, 2005, 12:31

Oookay, what does "PTO Common Wealth Country -> [PTOFOR (50%)]" mean? i.e. What does "PTO" stand for?

Lotuse · May 7th, 2005, 12:59

I have read this thread several times and what a terrific help getting my ticket booked online, so thanks for that!

However, some confusion over the status of my ticket. Earlier in the thread, RAC and WL/WL were discussed, but my ticket only states "WL 11". RAC takes priority over waiting lists, doesn't it? Or am I totally confused? (Trust me, this is entirely possible since I'm leaving on Monday!

I've tried to get more info on my PNR status by checking the indianrail website during the stated hours, but I'm getting a message stating 'This page cannot be displayed'.

I'm waitlisted for 2A on Mysore Express from Chennai on Friday the 13 (wouldn't you know it!), departing at around 11.30 p.m. What do you think my chances are of getting a berth as a WL 11?

Would it be possible, once I'm in Chennai, to go the the station and see if I can get in on their foreign quota? Or, not worthwhile?

Thanks again!

View Poll Results: Which class you would prefer in Indian train?
Second Class (Unreserved)	36	4.29%
Sleeper Class	258	30.71%
AC 3-Tier sleeper	155	18.45%
AC 2-Tier sleeper	284	33.81%
AC First Class	158	18.81%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 840. You may not vote on this poll

May 7th, 2005, 12:31	#89
Lotuse Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 18	Train Concessions Oookay, what does "PTO Common Wealth Country -> [PTOFOR (50%)]" mean? i.e. What does "PTO" stand for?

May 7th, 2005, 12:59	#90
Lotuse Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 18	WL vs. RAC I have read this thread several times and what a terrific help getting my ticket booked online, so thanks for that! However, some confusion over the status of my ticket. Earlier in the thread, RAC and WL/WL were discussed, but my ticket only states "WL 11". RAC takes priority over waiting lists, doesn't it? Or am I totally confused? (Trust me, this is entirely possible since I'm leaving on Monday! I've tried to get more info on my PNR status by checking the indianrail website during the stated hours, but I'm getting a message stating 'This page cannot be displayed'. I'm waitlisted for 2A on Mysore Express from Chennai on Friday the 13 (wouldn't you know it!), departing at around 11.30 p.m. What do you think my chances are of getting a berth as a WL 11? Would it be possible, once I'm in Chennai, to go the the station and see if I can get in on their foreign quota? Or, not worthwhile? Thanks again!

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Feb 7th, 2005, 16:53	#76
spitze_udz Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Udaipur,Bangalore Posts: 157	as an indian... i would recommend AC 3-Tier sleeper as it is not hard on pocket and is comfortable. To all the foreign tourists i would advice not to travel by Second Class (Unreserved) (not even if you have to postpone your journey) and not even by sleeper class (untill there is urgency). The refund procedure is well defined for tickets when you have missed the train.... but its practically impossible to get it.... so do not waste your time on that and start looking for other options....

Feb 15th, 2005, 03:28	#77
Banarasi at heart pop ko jala ke rock kar doonga Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lawrence, Kansas Posts: 134	Hi I am a new member but have travelled extensively by train in India. I would like to add that non-AC travel is the best in the monsoon. Nothing like cool, moist air at a great speed. Especially at door class.

Mar 14th, 2005, 04:55	#78
Krishnika taking a break Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 233	Although it's not the most popular choice on the forum, I voted for 3AC. It's so much more relaxing than nonAC not only for temperature, but for cleanliness and especially noise level. This is big deal for night trips. Also, no mosquitos. I never tried 2AC which I am sure is even more comfortable, but it didn't seem like the difference would be worth the extra cost. On my one trip in II unreserved, the train was practically empty - from Madurai to Teni, and it was really great. It was only 2 hours too. CC was a good choice for day travel - from Goa to Mumbai I was in a middle seat with a clear window (thankfully no magenta or yellow!) and there was no one on either side of me for the entire trip! And there were constant offers of food, chai, coffee, etc. Love those trains!

Mar 14th, 2005, 09:22	#80
Krishnika taking a break Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 233	tried the side berths, but they were a little short. They are also lower than the upper berths and passing traffic in the aisles is more disturbing since you are at the level of peoples heads as they go by. It's a bit acrobatic to get into the upper berths, but they felt much more private than the side ones.

Mar 14th, 2005, 11:12	#81
nedhopkins Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: California Posts: 268	Having traveled on trains all over Europe, including Russia, as well as Egypt, Peru, and Japan -- and the U.S. when trains were still the best mode of transportation -- I was surprised by Indian trains. Coaches on the two Shatabdi expresses I took last December -- Delhi-Jaipur/CC, Agra-Delhi/1A -- were filthy and the seats were uncomfortable. (CC was two across; 1A, two and three.) Both trains were late: that to Jaipur by nearly two hours, that to Delhi by four. A third train, Varanasi-Agra/2A, was so late -- by 16 hours -- that we gave up and flew Varanasi-Delhi then took a taxi to Agra, arriving ten hours before the even more delayed 'express.' On the other hand, the food service was good on both the Shatabdis. I realize India is a very poor country with massive infrastructure problems. So, however, is Egypt. With the exception of the track for an hour or so outside Cairo, the Luxor sleeper is vastly superior to either of the Indian trains I took. Its fare is comparable; it's cleaner and more comfortable; and it has a diner that serves good food.

Mar 14th, 2005, 13:28	#86
machadinha brother my cup is empty member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 14,357	No agenda whatsoever Yetijuice (you think I've invested in Indian Railways or what?). I find it strange if someone complains about the bad state of Indian public transport then goes on to say oh well we took a plane instead. Not all of us can afford that, plus the flight being relatively cheap is probably a direct consequence of the system he's complaining about, i.e. it being a cheap place. Yes it's good if people realize trains can be delayed for a day, that is also one reason not to sell them very strict itineraries for a week where you never know if you can make all your connections. Hey it's the third world remember, in Egypt that he speaks so lovingly of the bus still leaves when it's full and no sooner (unless you bought the bus maybe).