This study investigates thermal comfort parameters at different locations within a moving, non-air-conditioned railway coach in India. The internal environment of a ventilated railway coach is highly dynamic, making it difficult to predict accurately the relative thermal comfort conditions at different locations within the coach. This study combines computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with field measurements to evaluate real-time environmental parameters and their effects on thermal comfort for different seat orientations on a moving train. Given the dynamic environment of ventilated moving stock, the results provide crucial inputs for the design optimization of non-air-conditioned railway coaches. The results reveal a turbulent airflow, predominantly influenced by the window air inlet, resulting in small but significant temperature variations across seat locations in the compartment. Upper seats were the hottest, whereas the central area beneath the overhead vents was cooler. Validation of simulation results against experimental data indicates a satisfactory correlation, with mean errors within 10%. Notably, temperature measurements indicate the presence of heat plumes, particularly around the walls, while the central area beneath the overhead vent is the coolest, exhibiting only a slight temperature difference of 1.37OC across the compartment. Mean air velocity was 0.364 m/s; exceeding the ASHRAE standard. It was influenced by the compartment’s design and airflow turbulence, with maximum velocities near windows and
stagnant zones in the aisle. The analysis highlights the importance of localized thermal sensations, radiant asymmetry, and vertical temperature differences in shaping passengers’ perception of comfort. The mean standard effective temperature for the coach is found to be 36.65OC while
the mean predictive mean vote of passengers is found to be 4.73. The true novelty of the work lies in identifying specific discomfort zones within ventilated railway coaches and thereby providing a clear insight into improving the thermal comfort of passengers travelling in non-air-conditioned
railway coaches. The study concludes that improving airflow management and addressing psychological aspects of thermal comfort can significantly enhance overall comfort in railway coaches and offer valuable insights for future design and operational enhancements in railway
passenger transport.