How many person can travel in 1 tier AC in IRCTC?

Not many people would have traveled in Indian railway AC 1st class coach.

Reason 1 – Affordability, it’s damn expensive and comparable to almost flight fares.

Reason 2 – Availability, due to lack of public interest, Indian railway almost removed the 1st Class AC coaches from most of the trains and with the remaining trains very few seats are made available.

I have recently got an opportunity for a lengthy ride on 1st Class AC Coach.

First of all there is a no separate coach attached for the AC 1-tier (1st class AC). AC-1 tier given only half the space of one coach and the remaining of that coach allocated for AC-2 Tier (AC 2nd Class). There were only ten of AC 1st Class seats were available. I heard this seating structure is very much similar for all trains with AC 1st Class facility (except premium trains such as Rajdhani/Shatabdi).

AC 1-Tier Layout

There are two coupes with 4 berths and one coupe with 2 berths. Unlike rest of the coaches for the AC 1-tier, the seats will be allocated only during the chart preparation. When the chart prepared if couples any, will get first preference for the 2 berth coupe.

The interior of the 1st AC couches are more colorful (who cares!) and comes with some more small amenities to differentiate from 2nd AC. However they are not that worth for double the money. The real benefit will be experienced only when you are lucky enough to get the 2 berth private coupe. This coupe gives the complete private experience and probably the highest value for money.

The 1st AC coupe is equipped small amenities like trash bin, mini wardrobe, some additional lights, stands, door etc. The couch will be cleaned frequently and trashes will be emptied occasionally as well. There are bells to call the attendants as well.