The West Central Railway Bhopal division has announced a major update for passengers planning to travel during the summer season. In an effort to make air-conditioned travel more affordable, the railway administration will replace standard AC-3 Tier coaches with AC-3 Economy coaches in 14 trains. This decision is expected to provide significant relief to travelers by offering lower fares and increased berth availability.
How will this change benefit passengers and which trains are included
The primary advantage of this transition is the reduction in ticket prices, as the AC-3 Economy class fare is approximately 6 to 7 percent lower than the standard AC-3 class. Additionally, these new coaches feature 80 berths compared to the 72 berths in regular AC-3 coaches, which helps in managing the high passenger demand during peak seasons. Ten of these trains will be operated directly from the Bhopal division. This move is intended to make AC travel accessible to a larger segment of the public while optimizing seat capacity.
What are the implementation dates for these new coaches
The rollout of AC-3 Economy coaches will begin in mid-2026 across various routes. According to the official schedule provided by the railway authorities, the transition will occur on the following dates:
- Train number 12185 Rani Kamalapati-Rewa Express: Starting June 15, 2026
- Train number 12186 Rewa-Rani Kamalapati Express: Starting June 16, 2026
- Train number 12155 Rani Kamalapati-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express: Starting June 17, 2026
Apart from these specific changes, Indian Railways has also announced the operation of nearly 300 additional special trains for the 2026 summer season. Passengers are advised to verify the coach structure and availability through the official NTES app or by calling the 139 helpline before planning their journey.