So, here’s a peep into what the new air-conditioned (AC) local train composition will look like. The railway consultant in its first-ever official interim report has chalked out a strategy to upgrade regular local trains into AC trains and redesign the coach composition, too. With luggage compartments on either side, more space for women than in existing AC trains, the consultant’s report calls for maintaining existing composition with some minor tweaks. 

Mentioning seat reservation in the existing set of AC and non-AC trains, seat reservation in non-AC and AC coaches is similar for Divyangjan and senior citizens but is different for women and luggage. The report states that 22 to 29 per cent seats are reserved for women in non-AC coaches, and 13 per cent in the present AC coaches. About three per cent seats are reserved for Divyangjans in non-AC coaches, and two per cent in the present AC ones. One per cent seats are reserved for senior citizens in non-AC and in the present AC coaches. About two per cent of seats are reserved for luggage in non-AC and none in the present AC coaches. Comparative information has also been collated from Delhi Metro and Mumbai Metro for a broader consideration and comparison.