Indian Railways rolled out its first 3-tier AC economy class coach which is being touted by the ministry to be ‘synonymous with the cheapest and best AC travel in the world’. This LHB coach was rolled out from Rail Coach Factory (RCF) Kapurthala to Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) Lucknow for the upcoming trial. In this new passenger coach, where modern passenger amenities have been taken to a new peak, the passenger capacity has been increased from 72 to 83 berths. Many innovations have been incorporated into the design of this coach.
Here is all you need to know about Indian Railways’ new 3-tier AC economy class
1) For increased passenger space, the high voltage electric switchgear currently installed onboard has been shifted below the underframe, thereby increasing the passenger capacity by introducing 11 additional berths in these coaches.
2) Each coach is provided with a wider and one disabled-friendly toilet entry door which is a new initiative.
3) Several design improvements have also been made for improving passenger comfort like the redesign of the AC ducting to provide individual AC vents for each berth.
4) Improved and modular design of seats and berths, foldable snack tables in both longitudinal and transverse bays, injury-free spaces and holders for water bottles, mobile phone and magazines etc.
5) Individual reading lights and mobile charging points are provided for each berth in addition to a standard socket.
6) 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.
7) The design has been improved for both Indian and the Western-style lavatories.
8) Public address and passenger information systems have also been installed as a part of passenger facilities in these coaches.
9) The interior of the coach has luminescent aisle markers, illuminated berth indicators integral with
night lights with luminescent berth numbers.
10) There is also improved fire safety by ensuring compliance to world benchmark of EN45545-2 HL3 for materials, thus meeting the high requirements of the new fire protection standard.
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