is gearing up to run a full train with just Economy AC-3 tier coaches, similar to the concept of the Humsafar Express. Economy AC 3 tier class of travel is the latest offering by railways, aimed at making air-conditioned travel more affordable for the common man. Fares of Economy AC 3 are 8% less than the regular AC-3 tier coaches. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently inspected the newly manufactured coaches and said that efforts should be made to run a full train consisting of AC-3 tier Economy coaches.
A railway official told TOI that once the necessary number of coaches are available, a train will be run on a trial basis to understand the demand and occupancy trends. The official said that any zone would need at least 16-18 coaches to run the train. One thought is to try and run a full Economy AC3 train in the ongoing festival season to gauge the response. The route for the train is yet to be decided.
Indian Railways first unveiled the Economy AC 3 coach in February this year. The prototype, manufactured by RCF Kapurthala, was tested at speeds of 180 kmph by RDSO. The production target for this year is set at 800. The coaches have individually been attached to several trains starting September.
Economy AC 3 coaches have 83 berths, 11 more than the normal AC 3 tier coach. According to Indian Railways, the coaches offer the “most affordable in its class air-conditioned” train travel in the world. Some of the major passenger-friendly features include; personalised aircraft-style vents for air conditioning, personalised reading lights and charging points, modular bio-toilets, one divyang-friendly toilet in each coach, modified ladders for reaching the middle and upper berths, fire-proof berths and foldable snack tables for aisle berth as well.
The national transporter aims to replace sleeper coaches with AC-3 tier Economy in some key long-distance trains to allow for faster and more comfortable travel. Sleeper coaches are uncomfortable to travel in for speeds exceeding 110 kmph.
