Passengers of Garib Rath Express will have to pay a bit more as the Indian Railways is in the process of equipping these trains with the newly designed AC Economy coaches replacing the old conventional ones.

Garib Rath trains with three berths on the side were started during the tenure of former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and the fare was fixed at 15 per cent less than the AC-3 fare.

“It has been decided to replace all conventional coaches with LHB ones. Since all coaches of Garib Rath trains are conventional and have become old we have decided to replace them with AC Economy coaches,” said a senior Railway Ministry official.

Though the AC Economy class fare was also less than AC-3 fare, it is likely to be kept about 8 to 10 per cent less than the AC -3 fare for Garib Rath service.

So the fares of Garib Rath with AC Economy coaches are slated to increase a bit more than the existing fare.

However, the official said the fare structure has not been finalised yet as various factors are being considered before fixing the new fare.

At present, 26 pairs of Garib Rath trains are running across the country and the service is very popular with the common mass due to its low fare structure.

The new AC Economy class with 83 seats is being built to provide more seats for the passengers as compared to the 72 berths of the old 3-AC coach. The design and look have been improved with illuminated seat numbers as well as fire proof material.

Recently, the railways had launched Anand Vihar – Patna – Anand Vihar Gati Shakti Superfast Special train with 20 AC Economy coaches for the convenience of the passengers as well as to clear extra rush of passengers during this festive season.

Aiming at providing more comforts, these coaches are being equipped with elegant bottle holders and foldable snack tables. These train coaches have been made Divyang-friendly. The toilets on these coaches have been provided with a modern, elegant look that also offers passenger-friendly fittings.

AC Economy coaches are being manufactured at Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli.

The newly designed coach boasts comfortable and ergonomically designed climbing ladders for middle and upper berths and individual AC vents, reading lights as well as USB charging sockets for all travellers.

Garib Rath Trains

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