• Source:JND
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The shortage of general coaches in express trains has increased the problem of common passengers as the Indian Railways has started to install air-conditioned coaches (especially 3AC) in place of sleeper coaches that comparably is cheaper in comparison to air-conditioned coaches. The shift is affecting the middle-class section of society, who are facing difficulties in booking their tickets.     

For example, the North Eastern Railway has installed over 100 AC coaches in about 40 express trains. Out of those newly installed AC coaches installed, over 75 per cent were third tier followed by second and first tier coaches. At the same time, general and sleeper coaches continuously decreased in the trains. 

The new policy by the railways is forcing passengers from middle-class families to travel even in toilets as they are unable to find space in basic general and sleeper coaches due to a decrease in their numbers in several trains. The challenges faced by them were highlighted during the festive season when the passenger count in trains was at its peak.  

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The Railway Board has decided to install at least 18 AC coaches out of a maximum of 22 in each train, claiming that it will provide convenience to the passengers and increase the speed of trains. However, this has resulted in the reduction of sleepers and general coaches, which are used by the majority of the population.

The challenges faced by middle-class passengers were highlighted during the festive season. (Jagran Image) 

For instance, many passengers who commute daily from Gorakhpur division to Delhi via express trains like Gorakhdham, Vaishali, Bihar Sampark Kranti, Satyagraha, Saptkranti and others are facing difficulties in finding seats in general coaches, which have been reduced to only two or four in each train. Some of them risk their lives by entering through the emergency window or the toilet.

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The Indian Railways which was known for its inclusive pricing policy has shifted its targets and in an attempt to generate more revenue, it is increasing the AC coaches in several trains. Experts say that the new system is unfair to the common passengers, who are already suffering from the high fares of passenger trains. They question how long this situation will last and demand a revision of the Railway Board’s terms and conditions.