Title - Rlys doubles Chennai haul

Bengaluru: South India’s first ever double-decker air-conditioned train successfully completed its second trial run between Chennai and Bengaluru on Friday. It may be recalled that the first trial run, which was conducted on February 24, revealed a technical glitch as the lower deck of the train hit platforms in some stations.

Following the successful second trial, South Western Railway officials say the train service may be launched from next week between Bengaluru and Chennai.

 The train arrived at the city station around 2 pm on Friday. Senior officials of the department and hundreds of commuters were present. For commuters it was a special experience.

Modern facilities

This double-decker train, which is considered the flagship service of the Railways, offers ultra-modern services. It is fully air-conditioned and has no sleeper coaches, only push-back luxury seats. There are meal trays, and modern entry and exit points.

“It reaches Chennai in six hours. This train is expected to offer stiff competition to both low fare air services as well as luxury bus fleet operators," said a senior officer of the railway department who received the train in Bengaluru.

Three decks

Even though the train is called a double-decker, it actually has three decks. The first is at platform entry level and then there is the lower and upper deck connected by a staircase.

Every coach has a seating capacity of 120. Every coach has a GPS based passenger information system.

 Speaking to this newspaper, a railway official said that the coaches have facilities like controlled toilet system and real time passenger information system. “At first we will use 10 coaches. We have three more coaches ready. We will attach them as per the passenger requirements,” he said.

Top speed at 100 KMPH

According to the railway officials, on Friday the train maintained a speed of 100 km per hour all the way from Chennai.

“The maximum speed limit prescribed for the double-decker train is 160 KMPH. On Friday it reached 100 KMPH,” he said.

 Moderate price

According to railway officials, even though the train offers more luxury services, the ticket price has been kept at a moderate level. “An adult ticket will cost Rs 440, which is equal to the Brindavan express train,” said an officer.

“The double-decker train will have eight stops between Bengaluru city and Chennai, including stops at K R Puram, Cantonment, and Bangarpet,” said Mr. N. Ramesh, deputy general manager (commercial) South Western Railways.

Huge rush

Following the arrival of this double-decker train to Bengaluru Railway Station, hundreds of commuters rushed to platform number 3 of the railway station to have a view of this ultra modern train.

People were struck by the design and facilities offered. Speaking to this newspaper, Mr. Ramesh Gowda, a routine commuter between Bengaluru and Chennai said this will be the jewel in the crown of the railways.