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written by the people who run the trips

The Journal.

Practical writing about travelling with elderly parents — visas, knees, food, insurance, and what actually goes wrong. No listicles.

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57 articles

Category: Trains in IndiaClear filter ×

Can a first-time passenger enter a station without a platform ticket? - Trip Keeper
Trains in India · 3 min read

Can a first-time passenger enter a station without a platform ticket?

Yes - if you are travelling, your journey ticket is your entry. The platform ticket is for people who are not travelling. Here is the rulebook text, simply explained.

25 Oct 2026
What happens if I reach the station before the platform is announced? - Trip Keeper
Trains in India · 4 min read

What happens if I reach the station before the platform is announced?

Reached early and the board is blank? Here is where your platform number appears first, and what to do while you wait.

25 Oct 2026
Can I board a train from a different platform entrance? - Trip Keeper
Trains in India · 3 min read

Can I board a train from a different platform entrance?

Your ticket, not the gate, is what Indian Railways checks. Learn what the rulebook says about station entrances and reaching the right platform.

25 Oct 2026
How do I request a lower berth for an elderly parent? - Trip Keeper
Trains in India · 3 min read

How do I request a lower berth for an elderly parent?

No separate request needed: Indian Railways auto-allots lower berths to senior citizens, persons with disabilities and women 45+, subject to availability - with a per-coach quota also covering pregnant women. What to do if an upper berth still comes.

25 Oct 2026
How do I find a railway enquiry counter at a big station? - Trip Keeper
Trains in India · 3 min read

How do I find a railway enquiry counter at a big station?

Follow the "Enquiry / पूछताछ" signs - places to check are the main concourse or the main booking office - or skip the queue: call or SMS 139 for PNR, platform and fare answers, and use the NTES app for live status.

25 Oct 2026
Can I show a railway e-ticket on my phone? - Trip Keeper
Trains in India · 4 min read

Can I show a railway e-ticket on my phone?

Yes - a screenshot, the ticket PDF, or IRCTC’s booking SMS all count as your travel authority with one original photo ID. What to save offline and the chart condition.

25 Oct 2026
What documents do I need to board an Indian reserved train? - Trip Keeper
Trains in India · 5 min read

What documents do I need to board an Indian reserved train?

Your ticket plus one original photo ID from Indian Railways’ accepted list, shown by any one passenger on the ticket. The accepted list, phone-based options, and concession or quota proofs.

25 Oct 2026
What is the difference between SL and 3A for overnight travel? - Trip Keeper
Trains in India · 4 min read

What is the difference between SL and 3A for overnight travel?

SL is Sleeper Class (non-AC; carry your own bedding), 3A is Third AC (cooled coach; linen is supplied train-wise per IRCTC). What changes overnight, and which one to pick.

25 Oct 2026
What is the difference between CC and EC on Vande Bharat? - Trip Keeper
Trains in India · 3 min read

What is the difference between CC and EC on Vande Bharat?

CC is AC Chair Car, EC is Executive Class. What changes in space, seating and fare, what official sources say, and which one suits your trip.

25 Oct 2026
← Journal ☏
written by the people who run the trips
The Journal.

Practical writing about travelling with elderly parents — visas, knees, food, insurance, and what actually goes wrong. No listicles.

57 articles

Category: Trains in IndiaClear filter ×

Can a first-time passenger enter a station without a platform ticket? - Trip Keeper Trains in India · 3 min read Can a first-time passenger enter a station without a platform ticket? Yes - if you are travelling, your journey ticket is your entry. The platform ticket is for people who are not travelling. Here is the rulebook text, simply explained. What happens if I reach the station before the platform is announced? - Trip Keeper Trains in India · 4 min read What happens if I reach the station before the platform is announced? Reached early and the board is blank? Here is where your platform number appears first, and what to do while you wait. Can I board a train from a different platform entrance? - Trip Keeper Trains in India · 3 min read Can I board a train from a different platform entrance? Your ticket, not the gate, is what Indian Railways checks. Learn what the rulebook says about station entrances and reaching the right platform. How do I request a lower berth for an elderly parent? - Trip Keeper Trains in India · 3 min read How do I request a lower berth for an elderly parent? No separate request needed: Indian Railways auto-allots lower berths to senior citizens, persons with disabilities and women 45+, subject to availability - with a per-coach quota also covering pregnant women. What to do if an upper berth still comes. How do I find a railway enquiry counter at a big station? - Trip Keeper Trains in India · 3 min read How do I find a railway enquiry counter at a big station? Follow the "Enquiry / पूछताछ" signs - places to check are the main concourse or the main booking office - or skip the queue: call or SMS 139 for PNR, platform and fare answers, and use the NTES app for live status. Can I show a railway e-ticket on my phone? - Trip Keeper Trains in India · 4 min read Can I show a railway e-ticket on my phone? Yes - a screenshot, the ticket PDF, or IRCTC’s booking SMS all count as your travel authority with one original photo ID. What to save offline and the chart condition. What documents do I need to board an Indian reserved train? - Trip Keeper Trains in India · 5 min read What documents do I need to board an Indian reserved train? Your ticket plus one original photo ID from Indian Railways’ accepted list, shown by any one passenger on the ticket. The accepted list, phone-based options, and concession or quota proofs. What is the difference between SL and 3A for overnight travel? - Trip Keeper Trains in India · 4 min read What is the difference between SL and 3A for overnight travel? SL is Sleeper Class (non-AC; carry your own bedding), 3A is Third AC (cooled coach; linen is supplied train-wise per IRCTC). What changes overnight, and which one to pick. What is the difference between CC and EC on Vande Bharat? - Trip Keeper Trains in India · 3 min read What is the difference between CC and EC on Vande Bharat? CC is AC Chair Car, EC is Executive Class. What changes in space, seating and fare, what official sources say, and which one suits your trip.

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