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Anubhuti luxury coaches are all set to replace AC-1st class Executive Chair car coaches in some Shatabdi Express trains. As many as 10 Anubhuti coaches have been manufactured with idea of giving passengers an aircraft-like experience during their train journeys. From LCD entertainment screens that allow you to play movies, to cushioned leg rests and reading lights – Anubhuti coaches are a definite upgrade from the existing Executive chair cars. Adding to the good news is the fact that all these features are unlikely to translate into a fare hike for passengers. Financial Express Online brings you an exclusive preview of the Anubhuti coaches..check out the amazing features and images:
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The exterior of the coach has been given an artistic touch, while maintaining the overall blue scheme of the Shatabdi trains. Like all new trains of Indian Railways, this one too has an anti-graffiti vinyl wrapping.
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The 56-seat coach has seats in the 2+2 configuration. LED lights have been fitted to save energy and also provide better lighting.
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The upgraded executive-class coach has cushioned seats with an airline-like leg-rest to make your train travel more comfortable. The seat can also be reclined.
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Yet another aircraft-like facility includes the provision of LCD entertainment screens with every seat. Passengers can play music and movies while enjoying the experience with a personalised headphone that will be provided by Indian Railways. This is similar to the feature that was introduced with the Mumbai-Goa Tejas Express train.
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The seats in the middle too have been provided with LCD entertainment screens for all eight passengers (4 on each side). These screens can be made to slide back into the table by the simple action of a push in the downward direction.
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An added advantage for the passengers is the provision of USB and mobile charging points in the space that joins two seats.
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The favourite snack table that is usually attached to the back of the seat has now found its way in a compact compartment under the arm rest of the seat. Passengers are required to just pull it out and pack it back again after eating.
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Just like an aircraft, this coach too comes with a personalised reading light which will not disturb the fellow passenger.
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There is also an attendant calling facility above the seat. The 'bell' button will make sure that your queries are answered without moving from your seat.
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The luggage racks are spacious and the area above them has been coated with anti-graffiti vinyl wrapping. This will ensure that the walls remain free of scratches.
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In the middle of the coach there are passenger information display boards on both sides. These will display useful information such as the approaching station, distance, speed etc.
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There are mobile charging points next to each seat area in addition to those provided between the seats.
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The seat stickers have been braille-integrated to make them user friendly for the visually impaired.
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Anubhuti coaches get a modular toilet with improved features such as touch-free tap and soap dispenser, hand dryer. This is meant to ensure less wastage of water and also allows for better hygiene. The bio-toilet is in line with Indian Railways' aim to make tracks defecation free.
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There are toilet occupancy indicators at each end of the coach that light up if the washroom is occupied.
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There is also an announcement system at the end of the coach, similar to that in an aircraft.
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The mini-pantry remains the same with the only addition being that of a soup boiler, which means an added drink on the menu for passengers.
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The doorway area has also been upgraded with anti-graffiti vinyl wrapping, ensuring better cleanliness.
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The standard display plate on the exterior has been replaced with an LED display panel that is meant to not only flash the train name and number, but also the destination.
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The coaches have been manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. The average cost of manufacturing each coach is Rs 2.84 crore. Indian Railways hopes to start plying these coaches by December-end or January 2018 beginning, but the routes have not yet been decided. At a time when Indian Railways faces growing competition from the aviation sector, the focus on aircraft-like experience is a step in the right direction, but other factors such as punctuality and safety would play an equally crucial role in luring passengers.
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