Press Trust of India / New Delhi Jul 03, 2009, 15:30 IST
Move over double-decker buses, it is time now for double-decker railway coaches to ferry passengers between cities.
Announcing this while presenting the Railway Budget in Lok Sabha today, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee talked about the introduction of the double-decker and that too air-conditioned railway coaches and would be for inter-city travel.
The coaches would also have superior riding quality and comfort.
Long-distance passengers in all trains would be able to get on-board infotainment services on Rajdhanis, Shatabdis, and other important long-distance inter-city trains for pleasurable travel experience.
Field trials are being conducted for introducing environment-friendly green toilets. "We are also planning to conduct trials on vacuum toilets similar to those used in aircraft in a few coaches".
Apart from this, possibilities would also be explored to depute at least one doctor in long-distance trains.
New double-decker trains will help only if stations can accommodate them, twice as many people with lesser/broken infrastructure wont help. Indian people also need to be toilet trained and taught civics, this is not related to trains.
Well, i have nothing to say on the double decker coaches plan, as it will lead to a very high capital expenditure , for te DD coaches to be implemented. I feel its better to improve the existing infrastructure in the sense...modernisation of the current tracks, the coaches- making the travel less jerkfree, more comfortable beddings , the pantry , the laundry service ...furnishings..cleanliness isides etc etc...one we reach par excellence on these issues ... the DD coaches can be implemented afterwards also... in toto making the travel experience more comfy and valuable ..
Mamata has many innovative ideas,which are coming into reality through this budget.I congratulte her from core of my heart and want more.
Sandip Bag,Kolkata
Content Guide
