JOIN US Trolley services for catering, polite uniformed staff and on board entertainment are some of the changes slated to be introduced in the Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains from October.
Aiming at enhancing the experience of passengers travelling by these premier trains, the Railways has undertaken a complete makeover exercise in 30 trains —15 Rajdhani and 15 Shatabdi — at an estimated cost of Rs 25 crore.
Targeting the festive season, which begins from October, the Railways have launched a three-month programme under Project Swarn (gold) to refurbish coach interiors, improve toilets and maintain cleanliness in coaches.
There have been complaints pertaining to catering, punctuality, toilet cleanliness and the quality of linen, among others, in these trains.
It has been decided to improve services in these premier trains significantly and accordingly, Project Swarn has been launched with a three-month timeline, said a railway ministry official involved in the project.
The project also envisages strengthening of the security system in trains, with adequate escort personnel by RPF.
The Rajdhani Express meant for Mumbai, Howrah, Patna, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar are among the 15 Rajdhani trains selected for the service upgradation.
The Shatabdi trains of Howrah-Puri, New Delhi-Chandigarh, New Delhi-Kanpur, Howrah-Ranchi and Anand Vihar-Kathgodam are among the 15 trains selected for the makeover exercise.
Steps will be taken for improving punctuality by reducing delays in premier trains, he said. Catering will also be a focus area.
The staff will be specifically trained on hygiene and the use of trolley for serving food in premier services as part of the exercise.
A new uniform has also been designed for the staff.