Indian Railways launched a new version of AC-3 tier economy coach that has 83 berths. Earlier there has been 72 berths in the Economy coaches. Ticket costs for this new version is going to be 8 per cent lesser than the usual three-tier AC coach. The newly launched coach has been attached to Prayagraj-Jaipur Express (Train No.02403). Two more trains, New Delhi-Lucknow AC Special and Lucknow Mail will also have these newly launched 3 AC economy coaches according to Ministry of Railways’ press release.
50 new economy coaches have got manufactured by Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala and are ready to be attached to Mail/Express trains in different zones of the country. The coaches have provision of disabled-friendly toilets. Other design improvements have also been made for improving passenger comfort. AC ducting of the coaches have been redesigned. With this there are individual vents for each berth. Convenience of customers have been upgraded by introducing foldable snack tables, injury-free spaces, individual reading lights and USB charging points. A new ergonomically improved design of the ladder has also been introduced. There is increased headspace in the middle and upper berths. The toilets are in improved Indian and Western-style lavatories versions. Also, the coach interior has luminescent aisle markers, illuminated berth indicators integrated with night lights and luminescent berth numbers. Fire safety has been improved with compliance to the world benchmark of EN45545-2 HL3 for materials.
