Prabhu flags off new Humsafar Express

In a bid to provide luxury to the common man at affordable rates, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Friday flagged off here the first of fully air-conditioned Third AC service Humsafar Express between Anand Vihar and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.

"At the time of the (rail) budget our government decided to launch four new products -- Humsafar, Antyodaya, Uday and Tejas. Among these, first Humsafar Express is launched today catering to Uttar Pradesh," Prabhu said after flagging off the train through video conferencing here.

He also said that similarly Gatimaan Express and Mahamana Express were also first launched in Uttar Pradesh.

"This Humsafar train has latest technologies like vinyl wrapping, high quality curtains, passenger information system which will enhance the user experience of travelling in this train," the Minister said.

Emphasising the safety features of the train, Prabhu said it has fire and smoke detection systems and most of the parts are made of fire resistant materials.

Humsafar train coaches have pleasing and comfortable interiors and attractive exteriors with GPS-based public information system, deodoriser, fire suppression system, and pleasing and hygienic lavatories.

The new coach of the Humsafar Express is also equipped with mini-pantry with oven/fridge, convenient berth identification, distinctive furnishing board and welcome boards.

The Humsafar Express, meant to operate for inter-city overnight journeys, will be launched on some more routes soon, the Railway Minister said.

The fares of Humsafar Express are higher than a normal AC-3 tier train. In line with Indian Railways' move of introducing dynamic fares system on Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi and Duronto, the Humsafar Express will also charge passengers based on the availability of seats.

--IANS

aks/vd/vt