Solo Woman on Overnight Sleeper Train?

tacita · Dec 15th, 2006, 00:35

Forgive if this is addressed eleswhere...I read related threads and didn't find an answer.

I am a woman who will be traveling in India alone in late February. I plan to get the Darjeeling Mail Express overnight train from NJP to Kolkata and to request a berth in 1A/C. However, I am a bit concerned about who I may wind up bunking with, as it appears from reading other threads that there may not necessarily be a "ladies" compartment in every sleeper class...or did that refer to general sleeper class, rather than to 1A/C Might I possibly wind up with men in the compartment? Doesn't sound very safe or restful! Is it possible to determine whether there are 2-berth (as opposed to 4-berth) compartments, and to pay to reserve them both?

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

osgeek · Dec 15th, 2006, 00:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by janice

However, I am a bit concerned about who I may wind up bunking with, as it appears from reading other threads that there may not necessarily be a "ladies" compartment in every sleeper class...or did that refer to general sleeper class, rather than to 1A/C Might I possibly wind up with men in the compartment? Doesn't sound very safe or restful! Is it possible to determine whether there are 2-berth (as opposed to 4-berth) compartments, and to pay to reserve them both?

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

Hi Janice,
Sleeper class in Indian railways are without AC.
The classes are like this from best to worse:
1AC -top class sleeping berth, a lot of space.
2 AC - AC, 2 sleeping berths - more spacious than 3AC
3AC - AC, 3 sleeping berths vertically i.e. 3 persons will occupy 3 berths - one on top, one in the middle and one at bottom.
Sleeper - no AC, reserved berth for sleeping at night
General - no AC, no reservations, first come first sit or sleep at night(or fight a bit

)
There are some trains with just seats too..but they are only short distance..like Shatabdi express.

As a precaution, you can look for a family around and get a berth near them. Any person travelling alone would easily accept if you ask to switch your seats.
Enjoy!

machadinha · Dec 15th, 2006, 00:50

All I can tell you is there are many foreign women traveling solo or in pairs all over India, in buses or trains or whatever, by day or by night. While incidents can always (and do) occur, I wouldn't worry all that much about it.

I have travelled with, and regularly speak to, women travelling there as well as elsewhere. From my observations it's a mindset more than anything else. There can, of course and for instance, be incidents of groping; but if you get nervous being crammed with 16 people on a 4-person bench and cannot distinguish between groping and the fact that you're bound to touch each other no matter what you do, India may go down very hard on you, it's true. While Indians can be traditionally reserved on the one hand esp. regarding the opposite sex, don't forget that many people grow up under cramped conditions like these & so may be not so hung-up about physical closeness at the same time.

For a layout of different train carriages see this site's excellent The Indiamike train guide. I don't think there are ladies' compartments on all trains no, but it's worth enquiring if that's what you want.

Again, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just be a little on your guard like anywhere else. I've heard anecdotes of women waking up finding the guy opposite them doing their manly thing for instance <cough>, but I reckon these are few and far between, and while certainly intimidating and most unpleasant I imagine, at least they didn't get touchy-feely about it. A good scream waking up your fellow passengers & calling the attention of the guard who may or may not be on board could have amusing results in cases like these I suppose (calling the attention of others around you by addressing the perpetrator in a loud and firm tone when you really feel maltreated is a good and favored solution anyway. Just don't get agressive let alone violent unless you really really have to, which is severely frowned upon, although I imagine a woman could get away with some mild upset-ness.) I don't think I know any women who have had to deal with this sort of thing really; I'm thinking now of one working in Delhi and getting pissed off with the local buses (quite notorious, unlike most intercities or -states that I know of) on an on-and-off basis. Her solution was to grab a rickshaw on those off days when she didn't feel like dealing with it.

nb When feeling unsafe -- and keep those feelers out -- a good idea is to move close to some family who are likely to look after you and your stuff. Switching of seats or berths is quite common. <Cross-posted with Osgeek there> Most people will just be proud to see to it that you as a visitor have a memorable time really.

tintin8801 · Dec 15th, 2006, 01:03

travel in trains overnight in darjeeling mails are usually safe.......enjoy ur travel

cyberhippie · Dec 15th, 2006, 01:06

Steven Ber can better advise but I think Indian railways try not to have a man/woman situation in 1AC.

If however this is the case, then I suggest moving down a class, to 2 tier AC, where you will share four beds to a cabin (open fronted to the aisle) with Indian families, who will promptly sort out the catering staff for you, if they get lippy

Your luggage and well being,needless to say would be well looked after, by the travelling families on Indian trains!!
You'll share plenty of space, and have travelling companions from middle class India in the main, who's command of English and local quirks and knowledge will turn a mere means of conveyance, into a integral part of your holiday, that you won't forget, course you could land the family from hell

He he, be safe in the knowledge that hasn't happened to Mrs Ch + Myself yet and we've been on a few trains!!
A great way to learn about India whilst travelling!!

Again our "Train Guru" will be along shortly to set us straight.

The above is a good plan B

tacita · Dec 15th, 2006, 01:12

thanks for the replies. i'm still having a hard time understanding the layout, even having read the train-related threads and descriptions. (i also sent an inquiry to the man in seat 61.) so, just to see if i understand, there is ONLY ONE sleeper class and one type of sleeper compartment? there are no different classes of sleeper?

as for the great squashing of bodies, living in new york and suffering the indignities of being crammed into the subway everyday, against all manner of body unknown, i'm not going to freak out on crowded public transport. and my danger radar's in fairly good working order from long-term city living. i've had quite a few i-didn't-need-to-see-that moments, having more than once told a perpetrator: "put your p***s back in your pants!"

it happens. guess i'll just have to reserve and see what happens, deal with what comes up as it does.

thanks again.

tacita · Dec 15th, 2006, 01:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyberhippie

Steven Ber can better advise but I think Indian railways try not to have a man/woman situation in 1AC.

If however this is the case, then I suggest moving down a class, to 2 tier AC, where you will share four beds to a cabin (open fronted to the aisle)...

now i'm even more confused after reading cyberhippie's reply. if there is only one sleeper class, what, exactly, is the deal in 1AC and why would there be a man/woman issue? is there horizontal existence going on there or not?

sorry if i'm a little slow on the uptake, here. again, it's not for wont of reading the other threads and train primers. i just don't seem to get it. i have three guidebooks that are maddeningly ambiguous as well...

machadinha · Dec 15th, 2006, 01:18

No there are several sleeper classes, some of them with fewer berths. But there doesn't have to be a ladies' compartment I think. Did you look at the different layouts in the above guide yet? You'll need the Adobe pdf reader to see it, let us know if help in doing so is required.

tacita · Dec 15th, 2006, 01:28

ok, got it, machadinha. will give this a look and see if i can't make sense of the layout. thanks.

Sama · Dec 15th, 2006, 01:29

janice, if you can handle new york, believe me, you can handle india! I'm a native Chicago gal...and traveled twice to south India by myself.

I did two overnight train trips on my last visit in March. One trip was 9 hours in 2AC, berthing with three Indian men. No problems, in fact, I think all three were scared of me.

Second trip was for 17 hours, non AC, 1st class, with one man and one woman. No problems, the man and I got along great, good conversation.

don't worry. just use your street smarts in India as you would in New York.

machadinha · Dec 15th, 2006, 01:34

From Steven Ber's excellent Train information, read it again if you haven't already:

Quote:

Classes of travel on Indian trains.

1A = First Class air-conditioned (AC1)
2A = 2 Tier air-conditioned (AC2)
3A = 3 Tier air-conditioned (AC3)
FC = First Class NOT air-conditioned
EC = Executive chair class, air-conditioned
CC = Chair class, air-conditioned
SL = Sleeper Class, NOT air-conditioned
2S = Bookable second class seat, NOT air-conditioned
II = Unreserved 2nd class, NOT air-conditioned

Maybe you're confused with the term "sleeper class" here, this just denotes the lowest class before unreserved. The others can be slept in as well

With different seat or berth arrangements; like Cyber said, wait for Steven to call in, my only experience is with sleeper & I don't know all this stuff by heart either. I don't think there exists such a thing as a private cabin, but maybe (?) in the highest classes...?

vir · Dec 15th, 2006, 01:35

Four different sleeper classes are: 1AC, 2AC, 3AC and SLEEPER

1AC, 2AC and 3AC they are all sleeper class in he sense that you get a berth to sleep.

The name "SLEEPER" class means you get a berth in a NON AC compartment.

osgeek · Dec 15th, 2006, 01:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by janice

now i'm even more confused after reading cyberhippie's reply. if there is only one sleeper class, what, exactly, is the deal in 1AC and why would there be a man/woman issue? is there horizontal existence going on there or not?

sorry if i'm a little slow on the uptake, here. again, it's not for wont of reading the other threads and train primers. i just don't seem to get it. i have three guidebooks that are maddeningly ambiguous as well...

Sorry I didn't mention in my earlier post (now edited) that all class above Sleeper class have sleeping berths but Indian railways don't call them sleepers...just 1AC, 2AC, 3AC.
Sleeper class would mean sleeper with no AC.
In short, only general class don't have sleeping berths. All the rest do.

To add to confusion, some trains have what is called First class, which has sleeping arrangement which I think is similar to 1AC but doesn't have an AC.

tacita · Dec 15th, 2006, 01:41

"aha!" she exclaimed.

by jove, i think i've got it! not that i shun the masses, mind you, but if expect to actually SLEEP, i suspect i'm gonna be a 1AC gal and will pay and book accordingly. got the manual open in adobe. rather impressive!

machadinha · Dec 15th, 2006, 01:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by janice

"aha!" she exclaimed.

by jove, i think i've got it!

Dec 15th, 2006, 00:35	#1
tacita Maha Mutant Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gotham Posts: 1,413	Solo Woman on Overnight Sleeper Train? Forgive if this is addressed eleswhere...I read related threads and didn't find an answer. I am a woman who will be traveling in India alone in late February. I plan to get the Darjeeling Mail Express overnight train from NJP to Kolkata and to request a berth in 1A/C. However, I am a bit concerned about who I may wind up bunking with, as it appears from reading other threads that there may not necessarily be a "ladies" compartment in every sleeper class...or did that refer to general sleeper class, rather than to 1A/C Might I possibly wind up with men in the compartment? Doesn't sound very safe or restful! Is it possible to determine whether there are 2-berth (as opposed to 4-berth) compartments, and to pay to reserve them both? Thanks, in advance, for your help. __________________ Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. ~Helen Keller

Dec 15th, 2006, 00:50	#3
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,588	All I can tell you is there are many foreign women traveling solo or in pairs all over India, in buses or trains or whatever, by day or by night. While incidents can always (and do) occur, I wouldn't worry all that much about it. I have travelled with, and regularly speak to, women travelling there as well as elsewhere. From my observations it's a mindset more than anything else. There can, of course and for instance, be incidents of groping; but if you get nervous being crammed with 16 people on a 4-person bench and cannot distinguish between groping and the fact that you're bound to touch each other no matter what you do, India may go down very hard on you, it's true. While Indians can be traditionally reserved on the one hand esp. regarding the opposite sex, don't forget that many people grow up under cramped conditions like these & so may be not so hung-up about physical closeness at the same time. For a layout of different train carriages see this site's excellent The Indiamike train guide. I don't think there are ladies' compartments on all trains no, but it's worth enquiring if that's what you want. Again, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just be a little on your guard like anywhere else. I've heard anecdotes of women waking up finding the guy opposite them doing their manly thing for instance <cough>, but I reckon these are few and far between, and while certainly intimidating and most unpleasant I imagine, at least they didn't get touchy-feely about it. A good scream waking up your fellow passengers & calling the attention of the guard who may or may not be on board could have amusing results in cases like these I suppose (calling the attention of others around you by addressing the perpetrator in a loud and firm tone when you really feel maltreated is a good and favored solution anyway. Just don't get agressive let alone violent unless you really really have to, which is severely frowned upon, although I imagine a woman could get away with some mild upset-ness.) I don't think I know any women who have had to deal with this sort of thing really; I'm thinking now of one working in Delhi and getting pissed off with the local buses (quite notorious, unlike most intercities or -states that I know of) on an on-and-off basis. Her solution was to grab a rickshaw on those off days when she didn't feel like dealing with it. nb When feeling unsafe -- and keep those feelers out -- a good idea is to move close to some family who are likely to look after you and your stuff. Switching of seats or berths is quite common. <Cross-posted with Osgeek there> Most people will just be proud to see to it that you as a visitor have a memorable time really. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links Last edited by machadinha : Dec 21st, 2006 at 03:12.

Dec 15th, 2006, 01:29	#10
Sama a pain in the asana Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: the India inside my heart Posts: 5,354	janice, if you can handle new york, believe me, you can handle india! I'm a native Chicago gal...and traveled twice to south India by myself. I did two overnight train trips on my last visit in March. One trip was 9 hours in 2AC, berthing with three Indian men. No problems, in fact, I think all three were scared of me. Second trip was for 17 hours, non AC, 1st class, with one man and one woman. No problems, the man and I got along great, good conversation. don't worry. just use your street smarts in India as you would in New York. __________________ *My India, 2005-2008* BE THE REVOLUTION

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Dec 15th, 2006, 01:03	#4
tintin8801 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: calcutta Posts: 225	travel in trains overnight in darjeeling mails are usually safe.......enjoy ur travel

Dec 15th, 2006, 01:06	#5
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,012	Steven Ber can better advise but I think Indian railways try not to have a man/woman situation in 1AC. If however this is the case, then I suggest moving down a class, to 2 tier AC, where you will share four beds to a cabin (open fronted to the aisle) with Indian families, who will promptly sort out the catering staff for you, if they get lippy Your luggage and well being,needless to say would be well looked after, by the travelling families on Indian trains!! You'll share plenty of space, and have travelling companions from middle class India in the main, who's command of English and local quirks and knowledge will turn a mere means of conveyance, into a integral part of your holiday, that you won't forget, course you could land the family from hell He he, be safe in the knowledge that hasn't happened to Mrs Ch + Myself yet and we've been on a few trains!! A great way to learn about India whilst travelling!! Again our "Train Guru" will be along shortly to set us straight. The above is a good plan B

Dec 15th, 2006, 01:12	#6
tacita Maha Mutant Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gotham Posts: 1,413	thanks for the replies. i'm still having a hard time understanding the layout, even having read the train-related threads and descriptions. (i also sent an inquiry to the man in seat 61.) so, just to see if i understand, there is ONLY ONE sleeper class and one type of sleeper compartment? there are no different classes of sleeper? as for the great squashing of bodies, living in new york and suffering the indignities of being crammed into the subway everyday, against all manner of body unknown, i'm not going to freak out on crowded public transport. and my danger radar's in fairly good working order from long-term city living. i've had quite a few i-didn't-need-to-see-that moments, having more than once told a perpetrator: "put your p***s back in your pants!" it happens. guess i'll just have to reserve and see what happens, deal with what comes up as it does. thanks again.

Dec 15th, 2006, 01:18	#8
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,588	No there are several sleeper classes, some of them with fewer berths. But there doesn't have to be a ladies' compartment I think. Did you look at the different layouts in the above guide yet? You'll need the Adobe pdf reader to see it, let us know if help in doing so is required.

Dec 15th, 2006, 01:28	#9
tacita Maha Mutant Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gotham Posts: 1,413	ok, got it, machadinha. will give this a look and see if i can't make sense of the layout. thanks.

Dec 15th, 2006, 01:35	#12
vir Indori Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 239	Four different sleeper classes are: 1AC, 2AC, 3AC and SLEEPER 1AC, 2AC and 3AC they are all sleeper class in he sense that you get a berth to sleep. The name "SLEEPER" class means you get a berth in a NON AC compartment.

Dec 15th, 2006, 01:41	#14
tacita Maha Mutant Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gotham Posts: 1,413	"aha!" she exclaimed. by jove, i think i've got it! not that i shun the masses, mind you, but if expect to actually SLEEP, i suspect i'm gonna be a 1AC gal and will pay and book accordingly. got the manual open in adobe. rather impressive!

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