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Spacious and technologically advanced ‘Super AC’ coaches for Rajdhani trains are on the anvil with the Rae 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 entrusted 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 ambience, 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.
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