Brand New Train Coaches

Indian Railways has rolled out its first air-conditioned three-tier economy class coach which is being touted by the ministry to be synonymous with the cheapest and best AC travel in the world. These coaches will be "economical" and in between the current AC three-tier and non-AC sleeper class.

This Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coach was rolled out from Rail Coach Factory (RCF) Kapurthala to Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) Lucknow for the upcoming trial. Let us have a look at the salient features of the new economy class ac coach.

• 83 berths as against 72 in AC-3 tier: In this newly built passenger coach where modern passenger amenities have been taken to a new peak, the passenger capacity has been increased from 72 to 83 berths. For increased passenger space the high voltage electric switchgear presently installed onboard has been shifted below under the frame for the first time in Indian Railways thereby increasing the passenger capacity by introducing 11 additional berths in these coaches.

• Fire-proof berths with enhanced comfort: There is also improved fire safety by ensuring compliance to the world benchmark of EN45545-2 HL3 for materials, thus meeting the high requirements of the new fire protection standard.

  

• Personalised AC vents for every berth: Several design improvements have also been made to ensure a comfortable journey to the passengers. The ac in the coach has been redesigned in a way to provide individual AC vents for each berth. The improved and modular design of seats and berths.

• Personalised reading lights for every berth: Individual reading lights are provided for each berth. Public address and passenger information systems have also been installed as a part of passenger facilities in these coaches.

  

• Disabled-friendly entry/exit and one divyang-friendly toilet per coach: Each coach is provided with a wider and disabled-friendly toilet entry door which is a new initiative. The design has been improved for both Indian and the Western-style lavatories.

• Modified ladders for climbing middle and upper berths: A new ergonomically improved design of ladder for accessing the middle and upper berths is also a new feature. There is an increased headroom in the middle and upper berths.

  

• Personalised socket for charging mobiles and USB points: Personalised mobile charging points are provided against each berth in addition to a standard socket.

• Snack table with side berth as well: A foldable snack table in both longitudinal and transverse bays, and injury-free spaces and holders for water bottles, mobile phone and magazines etc.

  

• Illuminated seat numbers: Ambience and ease of access into coach has been improved by aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic entrance. The interior of the coach has luminescent aisle markers, illuminated berth indicators integral with night lights.

• Speed: 160 kmph speed potential keeping in mind future needs.



The RCF (Rail Coach Factory) has a production plan of 248 such coaches during the current and next fiscal year. Series production of these coaches will be started from this month. This new 3-tier air-conditioned economy class coach is a symbol of aspirational India bringing AC travel to a larger number of people and enhancing the capacity of our express trains. Undoubtedly, now every rail journey will become a journey of pleasant memories.

All these go a long way to make transformational changes in the quality travelling experience of the citizens of the country. What are your views on the newly developed AC 3-tier coach? Tell us in the comments below. That’s all for today! Keep reading the Trainman blog to know the latest updates on railways and COVID-19 virus. For fast ticket booking experience, book your train and flight tickets through Trainman app. Download Trainman App and check PNR Status, Live Train Running Status, Seat Availability in special trains and many such exciting features.