2S in Train: Guide to Second Seating in Indian Railways
Indian Railways is much more than just a method of transportation for Indians. Whether it be students travelling to their exam centre, families going on a trip to their ancestral place or corporate employees looking to join a business meeting, trains act as a dependable method serving a diverse range of people. In the same endeavor of providing affordable seats, Second Seating or 2S in train are operated.
What is 2S on a train, what is the seating arrangement in this coach, what are its features and how is it different from other similar budget coaches? In this blog, we are going to answer each question in detail and tell you everything you need to know about 2S in train.
What is 2S in Train
2S in train stands for Second Seating (or Second Sitting) and is the cheapest reserved class in Indian Railways. This coach is different from your regular Sleeper coach, as it doesn’t provide sleeping space and is strictly for Seating only.
2S Coaches in train are meant for day time short or medium distance travel in the range of 2-8 hours. This coach is economical and doesn’t have the facility of air-conditioning.
2S Seating Arrangement & Coach Layout
2S coaches are built with a 3×3 seating pattern. Although some of the old ICF (Integral Coach Factory) designs might have 3×2 pattern seats. In the new Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) design, manufacturers arrange the seats in a 3×3 pattern.
There are three kinds of seats for 2S train coaches: Window Seat (W), Middle Seat (M) and Aisle Seat (A). The seats are arranged in the order of W-M-A-A-M-W-W-M-A-A-M-W-W… and so on. Window seats are usually numbered 1, 6, 7, 12,13, 18 and so on. Remember this is just to give the passengers an idea. Actual seat number might depend on the train seat pattern and must be rechecked carefully.
The number of seats in 2S train coaches also depends on the design of the coach. In the old LHB coaches, there are 72-108 train seats. In the ICF coaches there are 102-108 seats. Some of the new ICF coaches might even have up to 120 seats.
Passengers need to be aware of the seating arrangements or coach layout before making any booking. Having the idea of seat arrangement helps in booking the right seat for your journey.
How to Check Seat Availability for 2S in Train
You can easily check train seat availability for 2S in train using RailMitra website or the dedicated Application available on both Android and iOS. Just follow these simple and easy steps:
- Go to RailMitra.com or install the application.
- Select Seat Availability option.
- Enter Train No./Name, From Station, To Station, Boarding Date and Select 2S Class.
- Hit Get Seat Availability.
You will be able to access your train seat availability for 2S coach in train now.
Features and Amenities in 2S Train Coaches
2S train coaches have served well to the budget conscious short distance travellers. However, Indian Railways’ recent initiatives like the Amrit Bharat Express trains have aimed to upgrade the facilities in 2S coaches and other budget train coaches.
Here are some of the features and amenities you will get in 2S train coaches:
Comfortable Seats:
2S train coaches are equipped with cushioned seating and back support. Passengers feel comfortable on the chair even after sitting on it for long hours.
Fans and Adjustable Windows:
Although there is Air condition in this coach, you would not feel hot. All coaches are equipped with powerful fans and adjustable windows. The coach provides proper ventilation, and the fans are strong enough to cool your body even in extreme heat.
Charging Spots:
There are charging spots available in coach for usage. Although most of the sockets have the three pin plug system. Some coaches may also accept USB A-type plug-ins.
Snack Tables:
The best feature of 2S train coaches according to me is the foldable snack table. This table helps passengers to have their meal without holding it in their hands. If you want tasty, restaurant food in train, you can get it delivered on your train seat with the RailMitra website as well as the application.
Luggage Space:
2S train coaches are equipped with overhead luggage racks which solves your luggage issues. If that is not enough space, you can also slide some of the luggage below your train seat.
Bottle Holders:
There are bottle holders in 2S coaches. Some of the trains might even have a phone holder as well.
Better Toilets:
Some 2S coaches still use traditional discharge toilets, but Indian Railways is gradually replacing them with bio-vacuum systems. Bio vacuum toilets are better for the train tracks as well as water conservation.
Difference between General, 2S and CC in Train
| Features | General (GS/GN) | Second Seating (2S) | AC Chair Car (CC) |
| Reservation | Not Available | Available | Available |
| AC Facility | Not Available | Not Available | Available |
| Pricing | Low | Moderate | High |
| Type of Seat | Wooden Seat | Cushioned Seating | Reclining Chair |
| Seat Layout | 3×3 | 3×3 | 2×3 |
| Comfort Level | Low | Moderate | Good |
| Best For | Short Trips | Short to Medium Trips | Short Daytime Journey |
Passengers who want a comfortable journey should choose CC in train. Travellers looking for affordable journeys can choose General Coaches. For those who want comfort with affordable pricing, 2S coaches presents the best choice.
The Amrit Bharat Effect
Indian Railways has launched the Amrit Bharat Express trains to promote affordable train travel with quality facilities. For most of the time, Railways tried to better the services in high end coaches like 3AC, 2AC and 1AC only. But now the focus has shifted toward improving facilities in non-air-conditioned coaches.
Amrit Bharat Express trains consist of 22 coaches out of which, there are 11 General class coaches, 8 Sleeper class coaches and 2 Second class-cum-luggage-cum-Guard Vans. Indian Railways designs Second Class coaches in a Divyangjan-friendly manner.
Conclusion (Why should you choose 2S)
Second Sitting or 2S in train is one of the best choices for economical short distance travel. It makes the perfect balance between cushioned seating and affordable pricing. This is the best travel option for daily travellers, students travelling for exams or for those who are not able to book Confirmed Sleeper coaches.
Indian Railways is focusing on enhancing non-AC coaches, and this initiative will also upgrade facilities in 2S train coaches. If you want to travel to nearby cities, 2S is the best coach to choose.
FAQs for 2S in Train
Q: Are 2S and general the same?
A: No, 2S and General coaches are not the same in train. 2S offers reserved seating, while General coaches allow unreserved travel.
Q: Which is better, 2S or CC?
A: CC offers air-conditioned caoches with reclining seats, which is better for comfortability while 2S is a non air-conditioned coach meant for budget conscious travellers.
Q: Does 2S have reserved seats?
A: Yes, 2S has reserved seats.
Q: Is food provided in 2S class?
A: No, food is not included in the ticket price of 2S coach ticket. However, passengers can alway order food online on the RailMitra platform.
Q: Is 2S suitable for senior citizens?
A: 2S is suitable for senior citizens if the time duration of the journey is small. For long journeys 2S might be uncomfortable for the senior citizens