By Hemant Sharma Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world, carrying millions of passengers every day. Among its many coach categories—like Sleeper, AC, and Chair Car—the General Coach is the most commonly used and affordable. Popularly known as General Class (GS), it is unreserved, meaning passengers do not need a prior reservation to board. Since it is heavily crowded and often confusing for first-time travelers, it becomes important to know how to identify a general coach in a train.
1. Official Name and Code
- In railway terminology, the General Coach is marked with the code “GS”.
- Sometimes it may also be labeled as “GEN” on charts or digital displays.
- This coach is unreserved, unlike sleeper (SL) or air-conditioned (AC) classes.
2. Location in the Train
- General coaches are usually positioned at the front and rear ends of most trains.
- Long-distance trains often have two or more general coaches—one at the beginning and another at the end for passenger convenience.
- In some cases, you may also find them placed between reserved coaches
3. Exterior Identification
Spotting a general coach from outside is simple:
- Painted with “General / Unreserved / GS” markings in bold letters.
- Often has blue or green stripes (depending on train type) with clear labels in Hindi and English.
- The entry gate usually displays “Unreserved Coach” written near the door.
4. Interior Features
Once inside, you can confirm it is a general coach by these features:
- Seating: Simple wooden or cushioned benches (3 seats on each side, 6 in a row).
- No berth system like sleeper or AC classes.
- Fans and lights are provided, but there is no luxury like curtains or charging points in many trains.
- Capacity: Designed for around 90 passengers, but often overcrowded.
5. Ticketing System
- For general coaches, you need only a platform ticket converted to a journey ticket or a general unreserved ticket purchased from the railway counter or UTS mobile app.
- No seat number is assigned—seating is purely on a first-come, first-serve basis.
6. Difference Between General Coach and Reserved Coaches
| Feature | General Coach (GS) | Reserved Coaches (Sleeper/AC) |
| Ticket Type | Unreserved | Reservation required |
| Seating | Benches, shared space | Allotted seats/berths |
| Comfort | Basic, often overcrowded | More comfortable with facilities |
| Location in Train | Front & rear ends | Middle sections |
7. Practical Tips to Identify and Travel in General Coach
- Before Boarding: Check your train coach chart displayed at the station. General coaches are marked as GS.
- Look for Signboards: At the platform, digital boards and announcements clearly indicate “Unreserved/General Coach.”
- Be Early: Since seating is not reserved, reach the platform 20–30 minutes early to secure a seat.
- Avoid Peak Hours: General coaches get extremely crowded, especially during festivals and holidays.
- Safety Note: Keep valuables safe and be cautious, as the rush can sometimes be overwhelming.
8. Special General Coaches
- Some trains also have a Ladies General Coach, marked separately for female passengers.
- In local or suburban trains, general coaches are equivalent to Second Class compartments, usually marked with “II” or “General.”
Final Thoughts
Identifying a General Coach in a train is easy if you know what to look for. Check for the GS code, placement at train ends, and simple seating arrangement to confirm. While it offers the most economical travel option, passengers must be prepared for heavy crowds and basic facilities. For short distances or last-minute travel, the general coach is a lifeline for millions of Indians, making rail travel affordable and accessible to all.