In the pictures above you will notice collapsible bottle holders, storage for magazine/newspaper at each sleeping tier. There is also a reading light for each tier. A folding tray table is also available near window seat. Each passenger is provided with a fresh set of pillow, heavy blanket & two white bedspreads.
There is one electrical plug point provided above each window! However it is rated 110V AC. The receptacle will accommodate USA style plugs in addition to Indian style. My guess why this is set to 110V instead of 240V is that only specific usage would be possible. Specifically all the mobile device and laptop battery chargers will work. Other standard electric appliances will simply not work, thus reducing chances of any misuse. With the proliferation of mobile phones, this facility is a boon. Apart from some other passengers, I also saw the coach attendant 'boy' using it to charge his mobile phone while he collected and folded the used linen (see picture above). However, note that these electrical plug points are available in newer (2007) coaches according to the coach incharge person. My coach was an older one. So I had to spend sometime on the new coach to charge my mobile phone battery. This was possible for me as there were some unoccupied seats in the new coach.
In general, the quality of fittings, accessories and workmanship has improved noticeably. Overall, I think the speed or the rate at which improvements are happening for passenger travel in this one mammoth Indian Railways system is quite amazing.
In my next post I will put some more assorted pictures taken during rail travel.
