In Pics: Indian Railways first AC 3-tier Economy Class Coach

The Indian Railways has unveiled its first air-conditioned 3-tier economy class coach from Rail Coach Factory (RCF) Kapurthala to Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow on Wednesday for an upcoming trial. The ministry claims that these are the cheapest and best AC travel in the world, besides the coach being economical (as the prices will be between the current AC three-tier and non-AC sleeper class). So, here are some of the features and specifications of the AC 3-tier economy class coach.

The newly designed coach will carry more passengers as it has more number of berth than earlier. They have been increased from 72 to 83 berths. “Several innovative designs have been incorporated and the high voltage electric switchgear presently installed onboard has been shifted below the underframe, thereby increasing the passenger capacity by introducing 11 additional berths,” the Railway Ministry stated.

The latest coach will have a wider and one disabled-friendly toilet entry door. Keeping in mind the passengers comfort levels, a handful of modifications have been made such as – redesigning the AC ducting to provide individual vents for each berth. Also, the seats and berths will have modular and improvised designs along with foldable snack tables, holders for water bottles, mobile phone and magazines. The toilet design and access into coach have been aesthetically improvised and the interiors will have luminescent aisle markers, including night lights with luminescent berth numbers.

In addition to the standard socket, each berth will have individual reading lights and mobile charging points. There is also a wider headroom in the middle and upper berths. “Undoubtedly, now every rail journey will become a journey of pleasant memories,” the statement released by the railway ministry said. RCF decided to produce 248 such coaches during the current and next fiscal.