Railway removes two sleeper coaches of CSMT-Howrah and replaces with AC coaches, upset Passengers

The railway administration has emphasised on adding economy class air-conditioned coaches instead of sleeper coaches in trains. Air-conditioned coaches are also being added to some trains. As air-conditioned coaches fare more than sleeper coaches, common man cannot afford it. Despite the lack of demand, the decision to increase air-conditioned coaches has started to be opposed by passengers. 

The Central Railway Administration has recently decided to change the structure of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus – Howrah Superfast Weekly Express. In this, two sleeper coaches of this train have been cancelled and air-conditioned coaches have been increased. During holidays and festivals, the waiting list for CSMT – Howrah Express exceeds capacity. In this, the waiting list in the sleeper compartment is full. However, a total of seven sleeper coaches were added to this train. The removal of two of those coaches is a sign of great inconvenience to the passengers.

New coaches will be added to Train No. 12869 CSMT – Howrah Superfast Weekly Express from October 18 and Train No. 12870 Howrah – CSMT Superfast Weekly Express from October 20. As per the revised structure, the train has one first air-conditioned, two air-conditioned – second coaches, six air-conditioned – third coaches, three air-conditioned – third economy coaches, five sleeper coaches, three general second class including one guards brake van, one air-conditioned pantry car and one generator van. There will be 22 LHB coaches. By cancelling two sleeper coaches, an air-conditioned third class coach and an air-conditioned first class coach have been added. Passengers will have to purchase tickets after the month of October as per the revised structure.