A new look train, swanky aisles, a smoother “jerk-free” ride and a revamped menu. At a time when the railways is facing the heat from no-frills private airlines, this is how Western Railways (WR) plans to upgrade facilities of its showpiece train—the Rajdhani Express—to keep passengers from flocking to the skies.
First, WR is contemplating approaching the Ahmedabad-based National Institute of Designing (NID) for redesigning the coaches of the Rajdhani. ‘‘The exterior of the train is dull. We want to make it attractive with vivid colours splashed on to the coaches of the fully-air conditioned train. That’s why are thinking of roping in the NID,’’ said a senior railway official.
However, WR Chief Mechanical Engineer SC Agarwal clarified the NID’s suggestion will have to be approved by the Railway Board before it can be implemented.
Rajdhani travellers are also being promised a better, more smoother train ride. Although sims — a jerk minimising equipment — has been fixed in all Rajdhanis for ensuring comfortable travel, the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has to still examine it.
A WR technician said RDSO has also developed an equipment, which completely absorbs the jerks. ‘‘It is being tested at the Indian Coach Factory, Chennai. If it comes through, we will install it in the Rajdhani,’’ he said.
The upgradation plan is not only about comfort. It also looks at luxury — Redesigning the interiors and serving the most delicious menus are on the priority list. The work for improving the interiors has already started at the Lower Parel workshop. ‘‘So far, two coaches have been completed,’’ said Agarwal.
In the aisles of the coaches, polyvenile chloride sheets will be fitted on the floor instead of vinyl flooring. The berths will also become more comfortable. Even the floor level in oriental-style lavatories is being raised to prevent water-logging.
The WR will also do away with the two floor levels in the toilet. The auto sensor tape system is being installed.
The entire Rajdhani staff, including supervisors, waiters, attendants, cleaners and helpers, will also get an image makeover with new uniforms. RD Sharma, Group GM, IRCTC Mumbai, said: ‘‘Eighty candidates have been recruited as waiters and they are undergoing training in Delhi.’’
And if passengers aren’t satisfied, they can always leave behind a complaint. Prakash Rao, Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Technical), WR, promises all suggestions will be looked into.
NEW MENU
The Rajdhani menu will also get a makeover:
* Murg begum bahar, chicken jhalfrezi, malai kofta, kadai chicken, laccha paratha, kheer and sweet corn soup will replace the staid palak paneer, matar paneer, chapatis and vegetable pulao.
* There will be different menus for each day of the week so that regular passengers don’t get bored.