Railways to roll out swanky, new coaches soon

BHOPAL: Railway Board chairman AK Mittal inspected first model rake of luxury 'Make in India' railway coaches at Habibganj railway station (in Bhopal) on Sunday. The coaches have now been sent to New Delhi and are likely to be inspected by Railway minister Suresh Prabhu on Monday.
These passenger coaches are first of its kind in the country and have been designed by Bhopal's coach rehabilitation workshop (CRWS), Nishatpura.Successful final test run of luxury coaches was completed on January 4 between Bhopal to Ganj Basoda and back to Habibganj.
After inspection by Prabhu, these coaches will be used in passenger trains. However, according to railway sources, the new model luxury rake of 24 coaches may be rolled out in one of the trains or West Central Railway (WRC).
Sources said the Jabalpur-Hazrat Nizamuddin Sampark Kranti Express could be the first one to use these coaches.

On Sunday, Mittal was accompanied by GM, West Central Railway, Ramesh Chandra and DRM, Bhopal, Alok Kumar besides other senior officials.
He expressed satisfaction on the design of the coaches but also suggested some improvements for the convenience of passengers.
"Washbasin in the first AC coach is not required, as it may wet the floor. Railways have stopped making washbasins inside the first AC coach. These may also be removed from model coaches," suggested Mittal to railway officials.
Bhopal Member of Parliament (MP) Alok Sanjar was also present during inspection. Mittal discussed passenger amenities at Habibganj station with Sanjar, who requested that a new train between Bhopal and Pune should be run.
"I have submitted my demands to the Chairman and he has assured to look into the matter," said Sanjar.
"I have also suggested using model coaches in trains running from Bhopal, as these are built by CRWS and it is matter of pride for Bhopal. The land in CRWS is available and can be used for the Railway University," he added.

Besides, Mittal also inspected the station area and directed the officials to improve the conditions. "Habibganj Station will be the very first station of the country to be redeveloped," he told reporters.
Replying to a question, Mittal said model coaches was a pilot project and economic factors have to be considered, before starting manufacturing them on a large scale. "If the response and service is satisfactory of these coaches then railways will manufacture new coaches with the same features," he added.
The third line work will soon be completed and merging of Bairagarh station in West Central Railway (WCR) is also under consideration, said Mittal.