With Mamata Didi announcing a fully air-conditioned double-decker train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, hopeful Mumbaikars are expecting it to be an apt template for their long-pending demand for air-conditioned local trains.
With Mamata Didi announcing a fully air-conditioned double-decker train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, hopeful Mumbaikars are expecting it to be an apt template for their long-pending demand for air-conditioned local trains.
But for now, local railway officials will begin groundwork to get the swanky new train, a first for the city, delivered. The hi-speed double-decker train is capable of running at a speed of 160kmph.
The existing non-AC double-decker train on Western Railway is the Flying Ranee that runs between Surat and Mumbai, but this is the first time an entirely air-conditioned train will be run in Mumbai at high speeds,” a senior official said, adding, “Budget announcements are expected to be implemented between the financial year, that is from April 2011 to March 2012. So we have ample time.”
Western railway will be getting the double-decker coaches from the Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala. The stainless steel coaches can seat 128 passengers, as compared to 78 passengers in Shatabdi trains, increasing the capacity by almost 70%.
“Height will not be a problem in Mumbai as we have already begun preparations to raise bridges or lower tracks for the power upgrade project in Mumbai. The overall height of the new double-decker train has been increased marginally (four and a half inches) keeping in view constraints like overhead structures, bridges, electric traction equipment, platforms etc. So these coaches can be used without modifying any of the fixed structures, except for clearing some minor infringements,” a senior official said.
“The new air-conditioned design uses many superior technical features like an aesthetically pleasing stainless steel body and high speed Euro-fima design bogies. The coach is also fitted with a control discharge toilet system,” he added.
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