Delhi-Jaipur double-decker AC train launched

Indian Railways has launched a new AC double-decker train between Delhi and Jaipur recently. The train is the country’s second double decker train, the first being between Howrah and Dhanbad. The coaches of the train that has a maximum speed of 160kmph, were designed in-house by the Railways and manufactured at the Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala. The design of the coaches was a challenge since it was not possible to increase either the height or the width of the coaches due to restrictions posed by the existing structures such as bridges, overhead electricity wires and tunnels. Yet, the design is such that the train can seat 120 passengers as against the 78 passengers in the chair cars of trains such as the Shatabdi Express. The stainless steel used in the coaches reduces the weight. The coaches also use crash energy management components such as anti-climbing technology and push-back couplers which help keep the train upright and on tracks in case of a collision. The walls of the coaches are resistant to heavy impacts such as those that occur during train crashes. Each coach has fully automatic doors, fire extinguishers at each door and eight emergency windows. Air spring suspensions provide passengers a smooth riding experience.