Travel in style: 3AC railway coaches get a luxury makeover

NEW DELHI: Now 'aam aadmi' will travel the 'khaas aadmi' way. Indian Railways is upgrading its third-class air-conditioned coaches, the cheapest in their class, with luxury features. Travel in the upgraded 3AC coaches will be more comfortable as well as a better aesthetic experience.

Initially, these coaches will be for the new Humsafar Express, a budget train with luxury experience. A train with these upgraded 3AC coaches will be ready to chug off in two-three weeks, said MK Gupta, General Manager, Rae Bareli Rail Coach Factory, to ET.com.

Here are the most striking upgrades in the 3AC coaches:

More comfortable berths
The berths are made of softer material and also have better-looking covers.



Swanky displays
The coaches are fitted with LED screens to display instructions. Also, a GPS-enabled screen will display the train's real-time location.

Charging ports
Usually, there are two charging ports for every eight berths. Now there will also be six USB ports.

Reading lights
No more arguments over switching on the lights at night. A reading light with every berth will ensure fellow travellers are not disturbed.



Ergonomic ladders
Now you need not have acrobatic skills to access the middle and top berths. The coaches will have redesigned ladders which will be easier to climb.

Cleaner toilets
The National Institute of Design has given the toilets a makeover. The new toilet floor will not get soiled easily. The steel mug has been replaced with a faucet. There will be separate urinals for men in the toilets.



There's more
Smoke detection alarm, tea/coffee vending machine and CCTV cameras near doors are a few other additions.