Railways will gradually eliminate all its AC-2-tier coaches from all trains which will be replaced by AC 3-tier coaches. Not only this, non-AC sleeper coaches will be reduced to introduce new AC-3-tier coaches. This will automatically affect the fare of train tickets which will increase by 10 to 15%.
As per the official sources of the Railway Board, AC-2-tier coaches will reduce in almost 13,000 passenger trains and then they will be eliminated gradually. Most passenger trains have about 20 to 22 coaches, which will increase to 24. The extra coaches that will be extended in such trains will be of AC 3-tier.
Why did the railways suddenly take such a decision?
According to the official sources of the Railway Board, AC 1-tier, AC 2-tier or chair car are not making operational profits. More people are opting for AC 3-tier coaches and they are in heavy demand. For the railways, the AC 3-tier segment is slowly turning out to be a money-spinner. Thus explaining why they are focussing on it.
For instance, 40% of sleeper class passengers want to travel in AC 3-tier. But when there is no space in AC 3-tier, the demand for AC 2-tier increases.
