A regular express train is composed of various classes of travel , namely following in ascending order of fare :
1.General - This is cheapest class . In fact , also the cheapest mode of public transport in India from one city to other . That is why it is mostly the poor & lower class of Indian society that travel in them . It is non AC & usually crammed to super crammed depending on various factors .
2.Non AC sleeper - This has a three tier sleeping arrangement/berths alongwith two side berths . This is still cheaper so preferred usually by lower class , lower-middle class & less so , by middle class . This is a reserved class & legally , nobody can board this coach except reserved passengers .
3.AC sleeper - This is further sub-divided into following three classes in ascending order of fare :
a) 3rd AC - This has a three tier sleeping arrangement/berths alongwith two side berths like non-AC sleeper except there is AC . Also , free bed roll & linen is provided . The fare is more than double of non AC sleeper and preferred usually by middle class & less so , by upper-middle class . This is a reserved class & legally , nobody can board this coach except reserved passengers .
b) 2nd AC - This has a two tier sleeping arrangement/berths alongwith two side berths . While free bed roll & linen is provided , berths are also wider than 3rd AC & there are privacy curtains too . Hence , the fare is higher than 3rd AC and preferred usually by middle class & upper-middle class . This is a reserved class & legally , nobody can board this coach except reserved passengers .
c) 1st AC - This is the most expensive class of all to travel . Just like 2nd AC , this has a two tier sleeping arrangement/berths in a coupe or cabin that can be locked from inside . There is a side gallery hence there is not any side berth . While free bed roll & linen is provided , berths are even wider than 2nd AC . Besides , there is a door bell to call attendant & few other exclusive facility . Being most expensive class , 1st AC is usually preferred by middle class , upper-middle class & less so , by upper class . Also , some seats are alloted to VIP quota (MP , MLA etc.) which if empty are then alloted to general passengers . This is a reserved class & legally , nobody can board this coach except reserved passengers .
Here are various AC classes -
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