Patna: Passengers travelling on East Central Railway’s local services are set to receive a major upgrade, with the Patna Division expected to introduce two pairs of newly designed passenger train rakes by December.
According to railway officials, the new trains have been designed to offer a more comfortable, safer and modern travel experience by incorporating several amenities that have traditionally been available only on express trains.
Modern Amenities In Every Coach
The redesigned coaches will feature mobile charging points, commode-style toilets, and washbasins in every coach, addressing a long-standing demand from passengers travelling on longer suburban and passenger routes.
The addition of toilets is expected to provide significant relief to commuters, particularly on routes where older passenger trains operate without such facilities.
Passengers will also be able to charge their mobile phones throughout the journey using charging sockets installed inside the coaches.
Enhanced Safety And Comfort
Railway officials said CCTV cameras will be installed in coaches reserved for women to enhance passenger safety. The camera feeds will be monitored by railway control rooms and security agencies, enabling quicker intervention in case of any untoward incident.
The new rakes will also feature an advanced coupling system designed to minimise jerks during acceleration, braking and starting, resulting in a smoother journey.
In addition, the coaches will incorporate sound-insulation technology to reduce noise from the tracks and wheels. Improved ventilation, LED lighting, redesigned interiors and more comfortable seating have also been included as part of the upgraded design.
Rollout By December
East Central Railway plans to induct two pairs of the new passenger train rakes into the Patna Division by December.
Officials said the new trains are expected to benefit lakhs of daily commuters travelling between Patna and neighbouring districts, while bringing passenger services closer to the standards of long-distance express trains.
The rollout forms part of the Railways’ broader effort to modernise passenger services by improving comfort, safety and onboard facilities across suburban and regional train networks.
