Keeping in mind future needs, the Railways has decided to upgrade the Steam Heritage Special Trains for a better, faster and safer travel experience, while keeping the old-world charm of the 150-year-old steam engine intact, officials aware of the issue told News18.
Starting from enhancing the speed of these trains from 75 kmph to 110 kmph, the Railways has directed the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) to re-evaluate the speed potential of these heritage trains and conduct oscillation trials, if needed.
“For a better and safer travel experience, the Railways will upgrade the Steam Heritage Special Trains,” a ministry official told News18.
Among the reforms the ministry is planning are CCTV cameras with recording facilities in both AC executive chair car and AC pantry-cum-dining car for making these trains safer.
The documents accessed by News18 show that just like Vande Bharat trains, these trains will also have an emergency talk-back system for passengers so that they can communicate with the loco pilot in case of need. Another feature picked up from Vande Bharat will be signal exchange light for exchanging signals.
While automatic sliding doors have already been provided in the coaches, now the ministry is planning to integrate these with the fire-detection system so that passengers can be quickly evacuated in case of a blaze.
Further, the alarm chain pulling will lead to automatic brake application similar to ICF & LHB coaches. So far, there is only an indication in the driver’s cabin.
The official said RDSO has been asked to work on the suggestions and should implement it soon.
What are Steam Heritage Special Trains?
It is a unique initiative where a steam-looking engine is added before the Driving Motor Coach (DMC) in electric MEMU trains. In simpler words, these are electric trains that will look like steam engine trains.
The steam boiler shaped structure is fabricated in the front portion of motor coaches. The rear side of DMC is also redesigned to give the appearance of coal tender of steam locomotives.
Adding a vintage feel, foggers are used to produce exhaust fumes in addition to the sound system that will produce the sound of a steam locomotive. These are fully air-conditioned trains.
Earlier this week, the Heritage Train from Ekta Nagar to Ahmedabad in Gujarat was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A similar train is operational between Mewar and Khamlighat in Rajasthan.
With a passenger capacity of 48, the executive class of these trains resembles that of Vande Bharat trains with a double seat with reclining facility clubbed with footrest. Also, there is a sink-in type snack table provided in the armrest pocket. There is a provision of mobile charging point and USB port for all passengers.
The restaurants of these trains have flameless pantry arrangements and can accommodate 28 passengers at a time.
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