Special Trains  and  Model rake coaches

The details of approximate total number of special trains run during the last three years is as under:-

During last 3 years, following new types of rakes have been introduced :-

1. LHB type Mail & Express rakes: These have LHB AC as well as non-AC coaches, with higher carrying capacity, when compared with similar coaches of ICF design conventional type of coaches. Besides, these are safer and have better ride quality.

2. LHB AC Double Decker rakes: Coaches of these rakes have higher carrying capacity when compared with LHB Shatabdi type coaches.

3. Model rake: Model rake coaches have additional amenities:

i.  Aesthetically appealing toilet modules provided with enhanced passenger amenities – big mirror, platform washbasin, controlled discharged water tap, odour control system, exhaust fan, LED lights, dustbin inside the toilet.

ii . Ergonomically designed Ladders.

iii. Snack tables provided for side berth passengers also.

iv . Windows with powered venetian blind provided in FAC coaches and roller blind in ACCW coaches.

V. Composite panels without visible screws.

Vi Provision of dustbin in all coaches.

vii. Enhanced scale of light fittings including berth reading lights in GSCN Coaches and embarking light in all classes of coaches.

viii. LED based berth indicators for reserved coaches.

ix. Provision of Passenger Address system & Passenger Information System in all the coaches.

X. The scale of mobile/ laptop charging points have been increased in all classes of coaches.

Xi Use of LED Lighting.

xii. Shifting of electrical junction points from passenger area to non-passenger area for enhanced safety.

xiii. Use of e-beam cables and polyamide conduits for enhanced electrical and fire safety.

xiv. Provision of fire extinguisher in all coaches.

Xv Provision of electrically operated chimney in Pantry Car.

xvi. Stainless steel panelling in Luggage Compartment of SLR.

Besides above, exterior and interior colour scheme of the coaches has also been changed to impart more pleasing feel to passengers.

The following types of special trains are running over Indian Railways:-

(A) On Normal fare similar to regular Time Tabled trains with concessions to all the eligible categories of passengers:

(i) Unreserved special train for all distances including Jansadharan Express.

(ii) To clear passengers due to hold up of traffic on account of incidents like accidents, floods, breaches, line blocks, cancellation of trains etc.

(B) Suvidha trains on variable fare structures with no concessions.

(C) Special trains on special charges with no concessions.

In case of special trains on normal fare structures, all the concessions are permissible as per Rule.

In case of trains having higher fare/variable fare structure for reserved class, no concession is permissible as per Rule.

However, unreserved class of special train on special charges and Suvidha trains are charged on the normal Mail/Express superfast fares.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 02.03.2016 (Wednesday).