CHENNAI: More than three years after it was proposed, production of ‘Anubhuti’ luxury coaches has finally been taken up by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) here. Slated to be a significant step up from the current AC chair cars, these coaches – Anubhuti in Hindi means ‘to experience or feel’– will have plush interiors and infotainment systems.
The luxury coach was first proposed in the 2013 railway budget, by the then railway minister Pawan Kumar Bansal. It was to be produced by the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) and to be run on a trial basis on the Delhi-Chandigarh Shatabdi Express. Based on its success, railways had hoped to attach them to the remaining Shatabdi trains in a phased manner. But over the next few years, there remained a question mark over its production status.
But now, having been entrusted with the task, ICF officials said work had started and a total of 10 such coaches would be rolled out by March next year. To be built on the Linke Hoffman Busch (LHB) platform, the modern coach is an upgrade on the present executive class of Shatabdi Express. Orders for on-board components have already been placed. As an initial step, two LHB coaches have been brought in and are being refitted. It is estimated that these coaches, expected to have 46 seats, would cost more than `3 crore each. Presently, the cost of manufacturing an LHB coach, a completely stainless steel structure with advanced safety features, is about `2.5 crore.
A senior ICF officer said, “The interiors have been specifically designed to provide a pleasing ambience as well as a comfortable ride for passengers.” Listing out the features, the officer said the coaches would have ergonomically designed cushioned seats, LED lighting and modular toilets with touch free sensors for water taps. Automatic internal sliding door, providing entry access to the coach, would also be there.
However, the main highlight is the modern infotainment systems. “Each seat will have a nine inch LCD screen, which, apart from providing general entertainment, will also track the train journey. Besides, wi-fi facility will be installed,” he said.