Indian Railways has unveiled the all new Humsafar Express, an all AC-3 tier train that was one of the Railway Budget 2016 promises by Suresh Prabhu. The train boasts of a host of new features and comforts. Coaches of Humsafar Express are equipped with multiple mobile and laptop charging points. Other features of the proposed train include CCTVs, fire and smoke detection systems, sleek bottle holders, anti-graffiti gel-coated wall and roof panels. What would greatly cheer commuters is the fact that Humsafar Express has tea and coffee vending machines and a hot and refrigerated pantry. The train would also come equipped with khadi linen and a waste basket in every cabin.
The seats have been made more comfortable with better padding. The train will have an optional service for meals. The trains also have GPS-based passenger information system. This fully air-conditioned LCB (Linke Hofmann Busch) 3-tier coach train has display boards with braille facility for the visually impaired. All coaches have bio-toilets, which is in line with Indian Railways’ vision of ensuring defecation free tracks. The toilets have plush interiors, odour control systems and fire and smoke detection alarms. The power car is equipped with a fire suspension system and public announcement system.
The Humsafar Express, according to Indian Railways, has “improved aesthetics” with a new interior and exterior colour scheme. This, says Railways, is aimed at presenting a futuristic look with the use of vinyl sheets.
The fares of the trains will be higher compared to other AC-3 tier coach trains. “We will announce the fare structure of Humsafar soon but it will be slightly higher than the normal service,” Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said. The 22-coach Humsafar Express will start plying soon. “We have announced four new type trains in our budget. Humsafar is here now, Tejas will soon be introduced, Antodaya is ready and Uday will also be ready,” Prabhu said adding the first Humsafar will be launched from Gorakhpur. The estimated cost of each Humsafar Express coach is Rs 2.6 crore. Seven Humsafar Express trains for inter-city travel will be made available.