Rajdhani Express Tejas Coaches: New Smart Sleeper Upgrade
Indian Railways is upgrading Rajdhani Express with advanced Tejas coaches featuring smart surveillance and predictive maintenance.
Indian Railways is revolutionizing its premier services by introducing advanced Rajdhani Express Tejas coaches. These smart sleeper coaches are replacing traditional Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) rakes to provide a more technologically advanced, safe, and comfortable journey for passengers.
The modernization program is already well underway. It began in February 2021 with the Agartala-Anand Vihar Rajdhani and was further expanded to flagship routes, including the Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani, by July 2021. These sophisticated coaches are being manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and the Modern Coach Factory (MCF).
A Shift to Predictive Maintenance
One of the most significant upgrades is the move from traditional preventive maintenance to a predictive maintenance model. This allows the railways to anticipate technical needs before they become issues, ensuring higher reliability.
This intelligence is driven by the Passenger Information and Coach Computing Unit (PICCU). Utilizing GSM connectivity, this unit relays real-time data to a centralized remote server, monitoring critical metrics such as:
- Air quality levels within the coaches
- Energy meter readings
- Real-time sensor statuses and technical health
High-Tech Safety and Surveillance
To ensure passenger security, the new Tejas-style coaches are equipped with cutting-edge surveillance and safety systems:
- Advanced CCTV: Day and night vision cameras integrated with facial recognition technology.
- Fire Protection: Integrated fire alarm, detection, and suppression systems.
- Emergency Communication: Dedicated emergency talk-back mechanisms for immediate passenger-to-staff contact.
- Controlled Access: Automatic plug doors that are centrally managed by the train guard for enhanced security.
Additionally, the coaches feature air suspension bogies, which significantly reduce vibrations and provide a smoother ride compared to older models.
Premium Passenger Amenities
The interior experience has been completely reimagined to meet modern standards of luxury and hygiene. Passengers can expect several upgraded amenities, including:
- Bio-vacuum toilet systems for enhanced sanitation.
- Touch-free soap dispensers to promote hygiene.
- Personalized lighting: Each berth is equipped with its own dedicated reading light.
- Modern connectivity: Dedicated mobile charging ports are provided at every berth.
With these upgrades, the Rajdhani Express continues to set the benchmark for long-distance premium rail travel in India.