Railways rolls out AC 3-tier economy coach with modular berths, foldable snack tables
New Delhi: Indian Railways on Wednesday rolled out its first AC three-tier economy class coach. The coach is being touted by the Railway Ministry to be synonymous with the cheapest and best air-conditioned travel in the world. As per Railway officials quoted in a PTI report, these coaches will be economical and in between the current non-AC sleeper class coach and AC three-tier coach.
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal shared the video the new coach on Twitter. The Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coach was rolled out for the upcoming trial, from Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala to Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow. The coach was conceived by RCF and its design work started on war footing in October last year.
The new AC three-tier economy class coach can carry more passengers as the number of berths has been increased from 72 to 83. Aside from increased capacity, many other innovations have been incorporated in the design of the new AC three-tier economy class coach.
As per the ministry, the high voltage electric switchgear which was installed on board in coaches has now been shifted below the under frame, which has allowed the incrase in passenger capacity by making introduction of 11 extra berths possible. Each of these coaches has been provided with a wider and one disabled-friendly toilet at entry door.
In order to provide most comfort to passengers, several design improvements have been made such as redesigning the air-condition ducting to provide individual vents for each berth. The design for both Indian and Western-style lavatories has also been improved while public address, as well as passenger information systems, have been installed as part of passenger facilities.
The look and feel of the coach has been improved by aesthetically pleasing. Coach access has been improved with ergonomic entrance. Additionally, there is improved fire safety system, ensuring compliance to world benchmark of EN45545-2 HL3 for materials. During the current and next fiscal, the RCF plans to produce 248 such coaches, the agency report added.