A double-decker train is a type of train that has two levels of passenger accommodation in a coach as opposed to one thereby increasing the passenger capacity. Double-decker trains in India run on short to medium distances and have chair car seating similar to Shatabdi Express. Unlike Shatabdi Express which has two classes, double-decker trains have only one class, Chair Class except for the train on the Delhi-Jaipur-Delhi route which also has an Executive Class.
We recently travelled to Jaipur from Delhi on Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur AC Double Decker Express and this review is based on that experience only.
Table of Contents
Current Routes
As of March 2022, AC double-decker trains operate on six routes and non-AC double-decker trains operate on two routes.
| Train No. | Route | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 22707/22708 | Visakhapatnam–Tirupati Double Decker Express | 761 km |
| 12931/12932 | Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Double Decker Express | 491 km |
| 12583/12584 | Lucknow Junction–Anand Vihar Terminal Double Decker Express | 479 km |
| 11085/11086 & 11099/11100 | Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Madgaon AC Double Decker Express | 592 km |
| 12985/12986 | Jaipur–Delhi Sarai Rohilla AC Double Decker Express | 304 km |
| 22625/22626 | Chennai–Bangalore Double Decker Express | 359 km |
Inside View
The double-decker train has three decks – lower, upper and middle. The lower and upper decks have the most number of seats while the middle deck has 16 seats.
Seats
Each Chair Car coach of a double-decker train has a seating arrangement of 3×2 seats. Each seat is equipped with a bottle holder, magazine/newspaper holder, and armrest. The outside appearance of double-decker and Shatabdi Express train seats are similar. But the real difference is felt when one sits on a seat. There is a stark difference in comfort level between Shatabdi and double-decker train seats. The double-decker train seats are smaller in length and width than the Shatabdi train seats. The seats are without footrests, recline less, and the legroom is almost 30% less than Shatabdi seats. As with everything else, the overhead luggage storage space is also less (by about 50%).
During our journey, we were cramped for space. We had to adjust ourselves after every 15 minutes or so due to constant butt slipping because of the small seats.
Meals
Meals are not included in the double-decker train fare. But the food vendors move around in coaches throughout the journey in case anyone needs to buy food and beverages.
The double-decker train starts to get uncomfortable for a journey length greater than two hours. The seats are more uncomfortable than even budget carrier airline seats. We did not find much of a price difference between a double-decker and Shatabdi train fare to justify the quality difference. We had paid 500 INR for the Delhi-Jaipur double-decker train and 830 INR for the Jaipur-Delhi Shatabdi train which also included evening snacks and dinner. That’s might be the reason for the low acceptance of double-decker trains among the masses in India.
Have you ever travelled on a double-decker train? How was your experience?
22625/22626 is worst train, badly maintained toilets and seats. The train keeps jerking every 5 minutes. As a senior citizen and heart patient suffered throughout journey. IRCTC should put statutory warning for booking of senior citizens. Worst catering facility, no water bottles and vendor service There is are also several passengers with mobile loudly playing music, news, jokes etc without caring for co passengers
Most humiliating experience
One of the worst train I have ever seen in my entire life journey. First it was hell late more than 2 and half hours . Then after they gave me seat just near to the washroom gate I mean what the hell seats are this? So uncomfortable for me. The water is all over there on the floor which was coming out from the washbasins of the washroom. And then this train turned my small journey into the bigger one. If you are looking for a comfortable journey, never ever book this train in your life.
The double Decker experience is no great, crammed space, hardly any storage space..the only saving grace is it’s timing,
Such a waste journey I had with this double decker train offered by Indian railways. I cannot even sit even 1 hour out of 6 hours journey from Eluru to Visakhapatnam. Provoding no cleaning, untidy of toilets etc., are bearable, but we cannot even sit, we have to put our hands all the time of journey on legs/ put tight inside our body, we cannot strech our legs, that much congested seats arranged by Indian railways, It is proved that Modi is simply a show master. I will never try to travel again by Uday express (Double decker)