Cool comfort

Ranchi, July 23: Low-cost air-conditioned coaches are the favourite of commuters here, according to records with the railway.

Three-tier air-conditioned coaches of trains originating from the city never had an empty berth in the past year, according to records with the railway. People prefer buying wait listed AC three-tier tickets than opting for AC two-tier.

The surge in demand for AC three-tier tickets has forced the authorities of Ranchi railway division to attach an extra AC three-tier coach each to Hatia-Lokmanya Tilak Express and Hatia-Yeshwantpur Express, originating from the state capital. The railway had also recently provided an AC three-tier coach in Vananchal Express, which had no air-conditioned coach.

The additional AC coach was attached to Hatia-Lokmanya Tilak Express on July 1, while the Yeshwantpur train got it on July 4. Both the trains had two AC class-III coaches each.

In the last couple of years the railway has added AC three-tier coaches to Hatia-Howrah Express, Jharkhand Swarnajayanti Express, Hatia-Puri Tapaswini Express and Hatia-Patna Express.

Vivek Srivastava, the senior divisional commercial manager of Ranchi railway division, said the demand for AC three-tier seats is increasing as part of “social upgradation”. “More and more people are wanting to travel in AC class-III compartments because the fare is affordable,” said Srivastava, adding that these passengers are willing to pay a bit extra for the comfort, security and hygiene offered by such compartments.

The difference between the fares in air-conditioned class-III and the higher versions also makes the former a suitable choice.

“For commuters travelling with their families, the AC III is the most preferred choice,” Srivastava added.