Double-decker train awaits green light
LKO-DELHI CHAIR CAR AC coaches stationed at Gomti Nagar. NER officials await CRS nod for operating train on regular basis
LUCKNOW: The high-end AC coaches of the much-touted doubledecker train between Lucknow and Delhi are gathering dust at Gomti Nagar station for a month now and there are no signs of this chair car becoming operational anytime soon.
The train was earlier expected to be operational by June 15 this year, but now as things stand it may take at least a month for it to be on track, said a railway official.
North Eastern Railway (NER) officials are awaiting a green signal from the Commissioner for Railways Safety (CRS) for operating the train on a regular basis. But before the CRS’ go-ahead, the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) -- the technical advisor and consultant to the Railways -- has to conduct an oscillation trial of the train to test the track worthiness of this train.
“We have written to the RDSO for starting the oscillation trial of the train, which would be followed by a formal permission by the CRS to run the train,” said AK Singh, chief public relations officer, NER.
While it is still not clear when the train would begin operation, its coaches are being shifting from one place to another. Nearly six weeks ago, the 12 coaches of the train were stationed at the Lucknow Junction of NER for a few days, soon to be shifted to Saharanpur. But for nearly a month now, the train is stationed on platform 2 of Gomti Nagar railway station. As a result, it has become a playing tool for wandering kids who have damaged a couple of window glasses and door handles.
Sources said after an oscillation trial, the team of RDSO experts would have to prepare an observation report, which will go through different sections of the RDSO, before reaching the CRS. They said preparation of the clearance itself could take several weeks at least after which the report has to be sent to the RDSO directorates concerned, including Building and Structures and Track Design.
After the RDSO issues a trial certificate, the commissioner would intimate the dates of his inspection to the RDSO. At times, the permission is even given without CRS inspection.
“With all these procedures, the wait for the Lucknow-Delhi double-decker is unlikely to end before August,” said a railway official.
This over 1,300-passenger capacity double-decker train is supposed to be one of the very few trains that operate between Lucknow and Delhi in morning hours. Having 110 seats in one coach, the spacious train will comprise 12 AC chair car coaches. Also, the train is equipped with 12 emergency windows and ecofriendly washrooms.
The train will run at a speed of 110 km/hr. Though the fare is yet to be decided, it is expected that the ticket would cost around Rs 630 per journey.
The interiors of the coaches are similar to the Shatabdi chair car. It has two floors in the seating area and the staircase inside the coach will take passengers to the upper floor.