A look at feel-good features of Railways' 24-coach train

With plush interiors, enhanced safety, speed and aesthetically designed colour pattern, the Indian trains are set for a makeover as part of Indian Railways' Make in India initiative. The prototype of the 24-coach train is ready and awaiting clearance before being inducted for passenger service.

Attractive colour pattern and aesthetically designed interiors: The coaches have been designed with improved interior furnishings to appeal passengers of all age groups. According to railway officials, 111 such luxury coaches, including air-conditioned and general coaches, will be ready by June 2016 and thereafter a decision on its continuation will be taken.

Passenger Address and Information system: The new trains will have Passenger Address system and Passenger Information System in all the coaches. The scale of mobile or laptop charging points have also been increased in all classes of the coaches.

Side ladders to climb to upper berths: Side ladders have been built to climb to upper berths in all sleeper coaches. Other than that, snack tables have been provided for side berth passengers. LED based berth indicators for reserved coaches and reading lights in all coaches have also been built.

Modular bio-toilets: The new trains are being equipped with modular bio-toilets and washrooms for disabled. Special compartments for disabled are also being built.

Seat covers with safety features: Seat covers made of fire-resistant material for safety have been built and coaches are more spacious than the existing ones with wider berths, and jerk-proof seats promising a far more comfortable journey.

Fire extinguisher in all coaches: Not all trains in India are equipped with fire extinguisher in all coaches. The use of fire-resistant material in seats and curtains will enhance safety from fire. Other than that, provision of electrically operated chimney in pantry car is also being planned.

Prototype train is ready at Delhi's Safdarjung station: A prototype train with 24-coaches is ready at Delhi's Safdarjung station. "We are inviting suggestions from various stakeholders and the public for further modifications. A decision on inducting the train for passenger service will be taken thereafter," a senior official said. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Monday inspected the new coaches.