The Evolution of Train Travel in India: From the 1960s to the Present

The transformation of train travel in India over the past several decades has been quite remarkable. This article explores the changes in train travel from the 1960s to the present, focusing on the evolution of train classes and amenities.

Introduction to Train Travel in the 1960s

Train travel in the 1960s was characterized by a clear class hierarchy and limited amenities. Passengers could choose from three distinct classes: First class, Second class, and Third class. However, availability and comfort varied greatly across these classes.

First Class

First class was the most luxurious option, featuring individual cabins with private bathrooms and seating arrangements similar to a private suite. These compartments resembled a home within a train, complete with toilet facilities and the convenience of opening doors directly to the platform. The facilities were state-of-the-art for the time, with some trains even providing air conditioning.

During transfers, some companies even provided this luxury at the expense of employees, showcasing the advanced nature of this class. However, due to the high cost, these compartments were inaccessible to most common passengers.

Second Class

Second class was somewhat of a compromise, offering a living experience between first and third class. These compartments featured narrow corridors and common bathroom facilities, but without air conditioning or curtains, making it slightly less comfortable.

Passengers often preferred this class due to the lower ticket prices, though finding seats was still a challenge. This class offered a more intermediate level of comfort and served the broader middle class of passengers.

Third Class

Third class was the most basic, featuring hard wooden benches and highly crowded conditions. Passengers frequently fought for seats, and upper berths were often used for seating or resting. The lack of personal amenities and cleanliness made the experience challenging for all passengers.

The lack of upper berths and the open-type windows contributed to the crowded and dusty environment. Passengers would often tie hammocks with their sarees for their babies to sleep, and mothers would fetch hot water and food for their children from the stops.

Evolving Standards in the 1970s

The 1970s saw gradual improvements in train travel, with the introduction of more reserved compartments and amenities:

By early 1970s, second non-A/C sleeper compartments became a common option. While this was an improvement, securing return reservations remained a challenge, especially for long-distance pilgrimages like those to Tirupati. Luxury A/C compartments were still limited to business class passengers.

Pantries were introduced in some trains, but many passengers continued to bring their own water containers. The old second class compartments were phased out, and the old third class compartments were reclassified as second class unreserved compartments.

Modern Era of Train Travel (1990s - Present)

The 1990s and onward marked a significant shift in train travel, with advanced technology and improved amenities:

With the advent of online booking from the mid-2000s, advanced reservation became a norm. Even upper and middle classes could now travel in A/C three-tier compartments, with A/C two-tier compartments reserved for the wealthy.

The elimination of old non-A/C compartments and the introduction of A/C first class with corridors and common toilets marked a significant upgrade. The reduction in general unreserved compartments and the increase in reserved compartments further enhanced the comfort of travel.

By the early 2000s, the journey became almost hassle-free, with passengers no longer need to carry food and water as restaurants and vendors were available along the journey. The transformation from the disheveled and dusty appearance of the 1960s to the clean and well-maintained travel of today is a testament to the progress in train travel in India.

However, even today, the journey itself remains an experience. The train journey in India is not just about the destination, but the journey itself, which has been enriched by the evolution of train travel over the decades.