Overnight double-decker train for business travellers soon

As part of the railways' efforts to attract business travellers, the national transporter will soon launch an overnight double-decker train service equipped with modern facilities.

While speaking at the Smart Railway Conclave, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said that Uday Express will commence journey in the night and reach in the morning, so as to save hotel costs for business travellers.

While there are a few routes on which the ministry runs double-decker trains, most of them ply during the day and lack modern facilities.

Named Utkrisht Double-Decker AC Yatri (Uday) Express, the train will not have sleeper berths, but only comfortable reclining chairs. Each coach will seat 120 people and will have hot food and beverage vending machines, said an



official from the ministry. 

Uday Express will connect major metropolitan centres in the country. The ministry is working towards starting its services on high-density routes, beginning with the Delhi-Lucknow route, possibly from next month.

The fare will be lower than that of 3-AC Class in regular mail and express trains, despite providing better amenities, an official said.

Each coach will have a large LCD television screen, and passengers will be provided Wi-Fi-connected headphones. Each seat will have adequate leg space and the interiors will be aesthetically designed. All coaches will have bio-toilets. 

Announced in the 2016-2017 Rail Budget, the train is designed to run at 110 kmph.