India's first AC double-decker train!!!

The Rail Coach Factory (RCF), rolled out country’s first Air Conditioned Double Decker Coach

Rail Coach Factory (RCF), rolled out India’s first air conditioned double decker coach. These high speed-stainless steel AC coaches would be introduced to cater to the heavy rush of commuters in high density route offering AC travel at a low cost. The new coach with pleasing green-yellow colour scheme has all the features and the comforts of a Shatabdi coach.

A totally new coach shell design capable of running at a speed of 160 kmph was developed by RCF engineers in tandem with Research Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO). In the new design, 128 passengers can be seated as compared to 78 passengers in Shatabdi chair cars, thus increasing the capacity by almost 70 per cent.

The overall height of double decker coach has been increased marginally (four and a half inches) keeping in view the constraints like overhead structures, bridges, electric traction equipment, platforms etc. so that these coaches can be used without modifying any of the fixed structures except for clearing some minor infringements.

The new air-conditioned design uses many superior technical features like aesthetically pleasing stainless steel body, high speed Eurofima design bogies with air springs for superior ride quality and many other safety related features. 

Here is a collection of some of the snaps of the pleasing green-yellow colour scheme of double decker train...!! 

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the most well known hill railways in the world. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) was built in 1881 and is over a hundred years old today. It connects the plains of West Bengal at New Jalpaiguri with the popular hill station of Darjeeling (6812 ft), a distance of about 50 miles. On the way it passes the most breathtaking scenery and climbs to a height of 7400 feet at Ghum (the highest station on IR & the 2nd highest station in the world), where on a clear day views of Mt. Kanchenchunga can be had.

A train at Ghoom Railway Station

The DHR has been served by little 'B' class 0-4-0 ST's (Saddle Tanks) throughout its existence. Other locos that have worked the line here are the 'A' class and a Garrat loco as well. The B class, which are probably one of the oldest working steam locos in the world, were built by the North British Locomotive Company (NBLC, Glasgow), Sharp Stewart, Baldwin and a few at the DHR works at Tindharia itself.

Batashia Loop

The DHR secured "World Heritage Status" in 1999. This 2'ft gauge narrow gauge concern is a must for all railway enthusiasts! Here is a collection of some of the snaps taken by me during my

visits there over the past few year...enjoy!

Batashia Loop