Sealdah Rajdhani Express gets a big makeover under Operation Swarn!
The Indian Railways has upgraded the Sealdah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express under the recently launched "Operation Swarn" initiative by the Railways Ministry. Railways had allotted Rs. 50L for upgrading the train. This is the first long-distance train to be revamped under the scheme aimed at improving services in premium Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express trains. Take a look at the all-new Sealdah Rajdhani!
About Operation Swarn
Operation Swarn was launched in Jun'17 under former Railway Minister, Suresh Prabhu. The motive was simple: Rajdhanis and Shatabdis, which began as luxury trains, have lost their sheen and needed a makeover. A budget of Rs. 25cr was earmarked for the project; an amount of Rs. 50L for each train. Facilities like Wi-Fi, infotainment screens, and coffee-vending machines would be provided in the future.
Focus on 10 key areas
For "Operation Swarn" project, ten areas of focus were identified, including punctuality, cleanliness, linen, coach interiors, toilets, catering quality, staff behavior, security, entertainment, housekeeping, and regular feedback.
CCTV cameras, LED lighting, fire-retardant curtains in all coaches
In all the coaches of Sealdah Rajdhani, the torn/faded rexine-covered berths have been replaced with more comfortable ones. Also, all the curtains have been revamped with fire retardant material so that damage could be minimized in case of a fire. CCTV cameras have been installed in the aisles for better vigilance and avoiding thefts/untoward incidents. LED lights have been fixed for saving power.
Train has elegant, classy look on the inside
Indian Railways has enhanced the way the Sealdah Rajdhani coaches look on the inside for a fresh feel. The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring has been replaced and LED picture frames that feature popular tourist destinations have been installed on all coaches. Also, the revamped night-signage seat number indicators and new passenger friendly magazine and bag holders have been introduced.
Say goodbye to stinky lavatories!
The toilets on all coaches now have an auto janitor that can control the foul smell. For passengers' comfort and satisfaction, the shower rooms now have high-quality hot and cold water mixture and shower faucets. All the wash basins in the corridor area are now made of good quality stainless steel; they come with a new hand wash dispensers.
Toilet cleaning, maintenance records
For ensuring better cleanliness levels in toilets, the staff would a now maintain a toilet cleaning record. Toilet doors have been revamped with vinyl door wraps. Good quality floor mats would be placed outside toilets and in the areas connecting two coaches.
Cleaner pantry areas for better hygiene levels
In the vestibule areas, PVC swing doors have been fixed, and a user-friendly dustbin has been provided. LED lighting has been installed above mirror glasses for improving illumination in doorways. Meanwhile, pantry car is fitted with reflective-film-coated window glasses. The staff would regularly carry out the cleaning of the pantry car for hygiene. Power car's window glass is also coated with the one-way film.
Changes in the first-class AC coaches
Wash basins in the first-class AC coaches have been remodeled with composite material, which gives them a marble-style finish, improving the whole interior look of toilets. These coaches now have entirely new upholstery with fresh designs. First-class AC passengers would also be provided with new, color blankets and covers. Also, ladders for climbing up to upper berths now have a handle, for easier access.
