Railway Officers' Club

More exclusive than the Zoroastrian Club but with membership not determined as much by coincidence of birth, the Railway Club hits the middle path between accessible and snooty. While admittance is restricted to Class 1 Railway Officers, the Club also welcomes dependents and a few outsiders nominated by members.

The ambience is nostalgic of Railway Clubs around the country, and is airy, open and clean, making you wish you had studied harder for that UPSC exam. The atmosphere is typical club - a combination of sports, cards and billiards.

Members have access to a large community hall, a library, a card room, an open-air restaurant, a bar, lounges, a swimming pool, a dining hall, an open-air theater, badminton, tennis and squash courts, a children's park, a table-tennis room, and a gym, aerobics and health club, with sauna and jacuzzi attached.

Perhaps the best part of the Club is that it isn't too crowded. Provided you have the right company, it's a nice place to spend some time. So, you see, that Class 1 railway contact is handy for more than just Emergency Quota reservations. Agreed, the Railway Club might be a tad boring to just hang out at, but its facilities - especially the swimming pool and jacuzzi - make it worth the admission fee.