New Delhi: Spacious and technologically
advanced 'Super AC' coaches for Rajdhani trains are on the
anvil with the Rai Bareli coach factory being asked to
undertake the new project.
"The conceptual design for the Super AC coach with
just 44 berths is being finalised and instructions have been
issued to the Rae Bareli coach factory for manufacturing a
prototype," a senior Railway Ministry official involved with
the project said.
At present, the second AC coaches in Rajdhani trains
have 55 berths, while there are 72 in third AC coaches.
Though the fare structure for the Super AC coaches is
yet to be finalised, it is expected to be higher than the
current second AC rates but less than first AC.
The railway coach factory in Rae Bareli in Uttar
Pradesh has been deemed the task of manufacturing 25 Super AC
coaches for Rajdhani trains in the first phase.
"The unique feature of the new coach being designed in
Rae Bareli is that it will be more spacious than the existing
ones in Rajdhani trains. Later, we may consider it for other
mail and express trains," the official said.
Proposed in the Rail Budget, the new Super AC coach
with 44 berths will have wider windows and more leg space,
particularly for side berth passengers.
"It is aimed at providing high-end service to
passengers with better ambiance, more amenities and will also
be equipped with a small pantry car," he said.
The lightweight Super AC coaches will be made of
stainless steel and will have all safety features.
Besides the proposed Super AC coach, Rae Bareli
factory is currently manufacturing new-generation Linke
Holfmann Bush (LHB) coaches.
"Six LHB coaches are ready to roll out from the
factory," the official said.
PTI
First Published: Friday, July 29, 2011, 12:20