De-reserved sleeper coaches reduced to increase AC coaches in 7 trains

Kannur: The Southern Railway has decided to reduce sleeper coaches and increase AC coaches in seven trains. With the move, de-reserved coaches will cease to exist in certain trains, while their positions will be changed in seven others. The decision will come into effect from September this year. 

At present, there are 30 trains with de-reserved coaches in the Southern Railways. Of this, six are new trains and there will be no change in position of de-reserved coaches in 17 trains. 

As per upcoming changes, Thiruvananthapuram - Mangalore Malabar Express (16629) will lose one de-reserved coach. Whereas, in the Kannur-Mangalore section, out of the present S9 and S10 de-reserved coaches, only S9 will operate from September 18 onwards. 

Further, a de-reserved coach has been reduced in the Mangalore - Thiruvananthapuram Malabar Express (16630) too. At present, there are two de-reserved coaches (S5, S6) in the train, but it will be reduced to S6 only from September 17 onwards. 

De-reserved coaches are also operated on the Mangalore - Kozhikode - Mangalore section. Of those, there are changes in four coaches in the Mangalore - Chennai Egmore Express (16160) between Mangalore and Karoor. Accordingly, S8, S9, S10, S11 will be converted to de-reserved coaches from September 1. 

In addition, de-reserved coaches have been sanctioned in six trains including Kannur - Bengaluru Express (16512), wherein S8, S9 and S10 will be de-reserved, between Kannur and Mangalore, from October 8 this year. 

De-reserved coaches 

The railways have reserved some coaches as de-reserved to reduce congestion in general coaches. The ticket rates are much less than that of sleeper coaches. Those with season tickets can also board the de-reserved coaches. 

In the Thiruvananthapuram division, daytime sleeper class tickets are available for all trains. However, if passengers with reservations show up, then the seats must be vacated immediately. 

Meanwhile, the railway passenger association has demanded to increase the number of de-reserved coaches in trains including Malabar Express to resolve the issue of increased number of passengers.