New train to the city of spirituality

Today, a brand new train, from New Delhi to Varanasi is being flagged off. So what’s the big deal? This will be a “first of its kind” superfast train. It leaves Delhi on alternate days – Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6.35 in the evening and reach Varanasi next day morning at 8.25 am.

The uniqueness about this train is that all its coaches are ergonomically designed with better toilet modules with enhanced passenger amenities such as a big mirror, platform washbasin, controlled discharged water tap, odour control system, exhaust fan, LED lights and dustbin. The conventional window curtains have been replaced with powered venetian blinds and roller blinds in all coaches. Fire extinguishers have been installed in all coaches. LED-based berth indicators-cum-night lights for reserved coaches have been provided to assist passengers boarding trains at night. The engineers who have worked on this train boast that each modular panel has been installed without a single visible screw, keeping the maintenance at minimum.

All this sounds great and a wonderful step ahead for Indian Railways. Only hitch with all things that we design and make – maintenance. The wear and tear is so high and upkeep so poor that within just a few months of running, the train starts looking old, haggard and tired, just like all the others. Lets hope that special attention will be paid to this special train, especially because it is being flagged off by the PM himself and it is for the benefit of his constituency.