Railways’ all-new AC 3-tier coaches to make trains passenger-friendly

Indian Railways is headed for a major makeover involving an overall of basic amenities in its AC three-tier coaches, in a move that would make the railways passenger-friendly.

The new-look AC 3-tier coaches are more comfortable, luxurious and passenger-friendly.

Railway minister Suresh Prabhu on Tuesday flagged off Western Railways' first all-new AC 3-tier Humsafar Express between Ahmedabad and Chennai at a function at Udvada town in Valsad district.

The move is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's view on the need for modernisation of the Railways.

The coaches have undergone 10 new changes (major and minor) in design and the beige-cream grey colour scheme has been replaced by the signature blue of the Indian Railways.

The first coach is awaiting the railway ministry's nod before it debuts on the tracks.

Key features of the AC 3-tier coaches include:

• Two plug points, USB charging ports and reading lights;
• Better ladders with footrests and handles to access the top berths;
• Separate urinals for men and women (Women urinals will also have nappy-changing tables for babies);
• Toilet walls are graffiti resistant, flooring has been remodelled not to soil easily and the steel mug chained to a pipe has been replaced by a faucet;
• A GPS-enabled screen has been installed in every coach to display the train's current location;
• New coaches will have a cushioned plank placed alongside the side-lower seats. To lower the backrests for a flat berth the passenger will simply have to slide the hand rests up; also
• Each coach will have CCTV cameras near doors, smoke detector alarms and tea/coffee vending machines.

Each new AC coach will cost Rs2.7 crore, about Rs20 lakh more than an ordinary AC 3-tier coach.

Railway minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off the inaugural run of the superfast weekly express from Ahmedabad through video conferencing from Udvada, a railway PRO said in a release.

"The train will pick up the regular run from May 8 from Ahmedabad and from May 10 from Chennai," a PTI report said.

Humsafar Express with all air-conditioned three-tier coaches, aims at providing a luxurious travelling experience to the common man, it said.

"On the occasion, Prabhu also inaugurated the Coach Guidance System installed at platform No 1, comprising Coach Guidance Board (CGB), Train Indicator Display Board and Integrated Passenger Information System, including the platform shed extension, at Sabarmati (MG) station through video conferencing," the release said.

Prabhu dedicated to nation the newly-constructed FOB at Bhestan station as well as the doubling of Vasadva Dhrangadhra Chuli and Chalthan Bardoli sections.

He laid the foundation stone of four over-bridges on Vapi Valsad section by unveiling the plaques, stated the release.