Increased Seating Capacity Aims to Benefit More Passengers
The Indian Railways is replacing third AC coaches with economy class to accommodate more travelers on long-distance routes.
JAMSHEDPUR – Railways across the South East Zone and other regions are phasing out third AC coaches in favor of economy coaches on trains like the Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express.
Economy coaches, offering lower fares than third AC, have gained popularity among passengers.
These coaches now provide bed roll facilities similar to third AC, further increasing their appeal.
Railways benefit economically from the increased seating capacity in economy class coaches.
Experts note that sleeper coaches from dozens of trains have been removed to accommodate economy coaches.
Economy coaches typically offer 11 additional seats per coach compared to third AC.
The layout of economy coaches provides less space between facing seats, allowing for more seats per coach.
Economy coaches are currently available on trains like Tatanagar’s Yashwantpur Express, South Bihar Express, Nilanchal Express, and Geetanjali Express.
Future plans include equipping nearly all trains with economy coaches for longer distance travel at reduced costs.
Introduced in 2021, over 12,000 economy coaches have been deployed across 16 railway zones nationwide.
Production has commenced in railway factories to expand economy coach availability on LHB model trains.
According to railway booking systems, third AC coaches typically accommodate 72 seats, while economy coaches feature 83 seats.
This change provides increased seating capacity and convenience to passengers with waiting tickets.
