Humsafar Express launch soon, fares to be higher

The long-awaited Humsafar Express – a special class service comprising only AC-3 coaches – that railway ninister Suresh Prabhu announced during presentation of Rail Budget 2016-17, will be launched shortly.

Equipped with coffee / tea / soup vending machine, hot and refrigerated pantry and other facilities such as Khadi linens and waste basket in each cabin, the first 22-coach Humsafar Express will be pressed into service on dynamic fare system, making it costlier for passengers.

With each coach estimated to cost about Rs2.6 crore, the Humsafar train will have special features like CCTV, GPS-based passenger information system, fire and smoke detection and suppression system and mobile and laptop charging points.

The train will have improved aesthetics with new interior and exterior colour scheme presenting a futuristic look with the use of vinyl sheets similar to Maharaja Express coaches. It will also have integrated braille displays.

Railway minister Suresh Prabhu on Friday unveiled the new 'AC-Three Tier' coaches which sport modern facilities of the 'Humsafar Express'.

"Unveiling your "Humsafar", inspected and unveiled the new rakes of Humsafar brand of trains to be run," Prabhu said in a series of tweets.

"Humsafar Express is new beginning for affordable luxury train travel in India. A new train product which is fully AC with optional catering," the railway minister said in another tweet.

Highlighting the facilities of the new train, Prabhu said: "Humsafar train coaches will have pleasing and comfortable interiors and attractive exteriors."

"GPS-based public information system, deodoriser, fire suppression system, pleasing and hygienic lavatories are just some of the features."

"It will also be equipped with mini-pantry with oven/fridge, convenient berth identification, distinctive furnishing board and welcome boards," he elaborated.

"Coming up with various new products to cater to different needs of our people," Prabhu added.

The Humsafar Express is a special class train which is meant to operate for inter-city overnight journey.

The train includes facilities which are otherwise not available in normal 'AC-3 Tier coaches'.

Prabhu said the fare structure of Humsafar, which will be announced soon, will be slightly higher than the normal service.

The first Humsafar train will start from Gorakhpur.