The introduction of three select train services — Humsafar, Tejas and UDAY — for reserved passengers was one of the highlights of the Railway Budget 2016-17 presented by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today.
Humsafar would be a fully air-conditioned third AC service with an optional service for meals.
Tejas, on the other hand, would showcase the future of train travel in India. Operating at speeds of 130 kmph and above, it would offer onboard services such as entertainment, local cuisine and Wi-Fi through service providers, while ensuring accountability and improved customer satisfaction.
Humsafar and Tejas would ensure cost-recovery by way of tariff and non-tariff measures.
Railways will also introduce an overnight double-decker Utkrisht Double Decker Air-Conditioned Yatri (UDAY) Express on the busiest routes, which has the potential to increase carrying capacity by almost 40 per cent.