Railway coach modification underway at Mumbai centre

The Indian Railways is all set to implement its proposal to increase the number of berths in long-distance trains—a move aimed at cutting down on waiting lists and refunds. A coach is currently being modified at the railways’ Lower Parel workshop to increase the number of berths from 74 to 82.

According to railway sources, the coach is being modified in such a way that an additional berth can be accommodated in each partition. Every partition has eight berths— six on one side of the passage and two on the other. The additional berth is being added in between the two rows of berths, sources said.

According to Rajkamal Rao, Member (Mechanical) of the Railway Board, “By adding an extra berth in every partition, 12 per cent more seats will be available. There was no other alternative to expanding the capacity of trains. It was the only way in which immediate relief could be given to passengers within the present infrastructure.”

“Under the plan, new berths will be added in the sleeper class and AC 3tier categories,” said Rao.