AGENCIES
MUMBAI
The move follows PM Narendra Modi’s view on the need for modernisation of the railways. The first revamped coach is currently awaiting the railway ministry’s final approval, before it hits the tracks in the new all-AC-3-tier Humsafar Express. There have been at least 10 major and minor design interventions.
The AC 3-tier is the only passenger operation in which the Indian Railways makes a profit.
LUXURY ON WHEELS
A beige-cream-grey colour scheme has replaced the old signature blue upholstery of the Railways.
All cabins to have USB charging ports, plug points and reading lights
A GPS-enabled screen has been installed in each coach to display the train’s location
For the toilets, inputs from National Institute of Design have been incorporated. The floor is made of a material which does not soil easily and the walls are graffiti resistant. The steel mug chained to a pipe has been replaced by a faucet
The coaches will have separate urinals for men in the toilets. Foldable nappy-changing tables for babies will also be available
Add-ons like CCTV cameras near doors, smoke-detector alarms and tea-coffee vending machines
