Jaipur double-decker train may chug by March 31

The much awaited air-conditioned double-decker train between Delhi and Jaipur — announced in the last Railway Budget will become operational within the current financial year that ends on March 31, according to  North Western Railway. 

However, with the deadline barely one-and-a half month away, it is going to be a difficult task for the department. 

The railway officials say the delay is due to non-availability of the coaches which are still being manufactured. “The train would become operational once we get the rakes. The train is likely to be launched anytime in March,” said Lalit Bohra, CPRO of North-Western Railway.   

The ambitious high speed train will be second such train after the AC double-decker train that was launched between Dhanbad and Howrah in October last year. Railway officials say the technical difference between the rakes of the two trains is the major cause behind the delay.

The daily train scheduled to run between Jaipur and Sarai Rohilla station in the capital will have 70 per cent more seating capacity than Shatabdi Express. 

The train to Pink city, a major tourist destination, is highly awaited ever since it was announced.  Railway officials say there is heavy passenger rush on the Delhi-Jaipur route and the new rail services will provide affordable AC travel to all. The double-decker service is also expected to significantly reduce the rush for Volvo buses and use of personal vehicles on this route.  

The double-decker coaches would have common doors for boarding. A flight of stairs would take passengers to the lower floor, which is partly under the platform level.

Another flight of stairs would take passengers to the upper floor. Like Shatabdi express, the train would have only sitting arrangement with racks for luggage. 

At present there are only two fully air-conditioned trains for Jaipur from Delhi - Ahmedabad Rajdhani Express and Delhi-Ajmer Shatabdi Express.