Next-gen rail: Double-decker trains to transport freight and passengers in one go

Chennai: The Railway Board has come up with an innovative design for a double-decker train that combines freight wagons at the bottom and passenger coaches on top. This new freight-cum-passenger train is aimed at boosting revenue from freight transport while offering added convenience to passengers.

Railway officials said the design will help shift small containers and parcels, currently transported by road from ports to the trains, making the process more efficient. The initiative is part of the Railways’ plan to enhance freight transport and optimise operations.

In line with this, the Prime Minister's Office has instructed the Railway Ministry to explore further possibilities and ensure the successful implementation of this plan. It has also emphasised the need to study the time taken to unload parcels at stations to improve efficiency.

The prototype for these double-decker trains is being developed at the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala. Each coach is estimated to cost around Rs 4 crore, and the trains will undergo test runs on selected routes before full-scale implementation. 

This new model is expected to benefit both freight and passenger services, providing a perfect solution for transporting goods while improving travel comfort for commuters.