Mumbai: The Tejas Express will replace the double-decker train, which was re-launched in 2015 with much pomp and show by Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu. The Tejas Express will be equipped with LCD touch screens, recliner seats, USB charging ports and automatic door.
The railways officials feel that the double-decker train failed because of its departure time of 5 am, and Tejas may not succeed as it has been given the same slot. The train will set off on its maiden journey from Mumbai to Goa (Karmali) on Monday.
The advantage that the train seems to have is that unlike the double-decker, which departed from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), the Tejas Express has been scheduled to depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station (CST). Although, the decision about its departure from the CST is yet to finalised. Officials said that only time would tell if the train would become a success or not.
The double-decker, which has chair cars, might be sent to Southern Railways (SR), where it is likely to run to from Chennai. Suresh Prabhu had flagged-off the double-decker via video conferencing on December 6, 2015.
An official from Central Railways (CR) said, “The railways has been struggling with the AC-double decker trains. Many people said that they would prefer travelling at night journey.” The 10-AC chair, which was running from Madgoan to LTT was recalled for eight months in 2015 due to 20 percent occupancy.
“The 10-AC chair train would depart from LTT at 5:33 am and would reach Madgaon at 5:30 pm on the same the day, which is why added the passengers won’t increase. People usually don’t like to spend the entire day travelling when the same 12 hours can be spent sleeping,” an official said.
Supriya Marathe, who often travel to her native place Kankavli said, “Usually tickets are available, but I hate travelling during odd hours. I might travel in Tejas Express just to experience it.” According to sources in the railways, the double-decker train had got only 50 percent booking even during this summer season.
