Question : DOUBLE-DECKER TRAINS

(a) whether the Railways have launched or proposes to launch double-decker train(s) in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof including its special features and amenities being provided to the passengers in such trains;

(c) whether the launching of double-decker trains are economical and financially viable and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Railways have any proposal to run such trains in all railway zones; and

(e) if so, the details thereof including the time by which all zones will be covered?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY)

(a) & (b) At present, following Double Decker trains are running on Indian Railways:-

(1) 12385/12386 Howrah-Dhanbad AC Express (6 days )

(2) 12931/12932 Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad AC Express (6 days)

(3) 12985/12986 Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur Express AC (daily)

(4) 12921/12922 Mumbai Central-Surat Flying Ranee Express (Partial Non-AC Double Decker (daily)

(5) 59023/59024 Mumbai Central-Valsad Fast Passenger( Partial Non-AC Double Decker (daily)

In addition, introduction of following AC Double Decker trains have also been announced in Railway Budget 2012-2013:-

(1) 22625/22626 Chennai-Bangalore AC Double Decker Express (daily)

(2) 22183/22184 Habibganj-Indore AC Double Decker Express (daily)

Special features and amenities :

Introduction of LHB AC Double Decker coach with better ride, safety features modern furnishings and additional amenities:

# For the first time in India, LHB AC Double Decker coaches were introduced to cater to higher transport demand. Passenger capacity of these coaches is higher with 128.

# For better passenger comfort, interior furnishings have been designed using FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic) interiors, imported upholstery, see-through roller curtains etc.

# Additional passenger amenities have been provided such as modular pantry, passenger information system and LED destination boards.

# For enhanced passenger safety crashworthy features have been incorporated in the design so that in case of any mishap causalities/injuries are minimized.

# Ride quality has been improved with the use of Air Springs in lieu of coiled springs in secondary suspensions.

# First Air Conditioned Double Decker train, consisting of these modern coaches was introduced in between Howrah and Dhanbad.

# Based on the initial field experiences, coach was redesigned with better passenger amenities and with seating capacity of 120.

# Two new services with improved design are now running between Jaipur-Delhi and Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Two more services are planned between Chennai and Mysore and Habibganj-Indore in near future.

# Some of the amenities which have been added in these improved design coaches are as under :-

@ Reclining seats with improved seating layout

@ Provision of Snack table and Bottle holder for each passenger

@ Semi-automatic doors for Air conditioned compartments

@ Improved and more aesthetically appealing staircase area.

# High capacity AC units have been provided.

# Catering facilities are available on payment basis.

(c) An analysis of the utilization of these trains for the period from April 2012 to October 2012 has revealed that barring one pair of train i.e. 12385/12386 Howrah-Dhanbad AC Express, the occupancy of all the trains is quite good.

(d) & (e) No, Madam. At present, there is no such proposal to run Double Decker trains in all Railway zones.

However, introduction of train services, including Double Decker services, on Indian Railways is an ongoing process subject to operational feasibility, traffic justification and availability of resources.