CR’s semi-cool local by Jan ‘19

For all those Central Railways commuters who are envious of their Western Railways counterparts for the 100% AC local service they have, there is 50% good news -- CR hopes to get its first ‘semi-cool’ rake, in which six AC coaches will be attached to six non-AC coaches by January 2019.

In all, 78 non-AC suburban local trains will eventually be partially air-conditioned.The total cost of the project is Rs 50 crore and Hyderabad-based Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd is manufacturing the electrical equipment for rakes.

Sudhanshu Mani, general manager, Integrated Coach Factory (ICF) said, “The first rake, with a complete set of electrical fittings in it will be ready by January 2019. Subsequently, other rakes will be made ready. These rakes will then be partially air-conditioned.” Senior railway officials said tenders had been awarded to Medha Servo Drives in August, for the manufacture of electrical fittings for coaches.

“Medha had manufactured 19 indigenous coaches which were introduced last year on Western Railway. These coaches had better passenger comfort and speed features.”Mani said, “Both air-conditioned and non-airconditioned coaches must be of the same make.

That is why six coaches of the non-AC Medha-manufactured rakes will be replaced by six coaches of the Medha AC rakes. By December 2019, we will be ready with the entire set of seven rakes. We will also be testing the response of the commuters with the first rake, which is expected by January next year.”