Keeping in mind the growing patronage of AC 3-tier coaches, Railways are planning to increase their number in existing trains to reduce the swelling waiting lists.
The move comes as the AC-III class has turned out to be most sought after with time, effectively registering a growth of over 21 per cent during the first 10 months of this financial year, higher than any other class.
"Though we are periodically introducing more AC 3-tier coaches depending on rush, now we intend to add more of such coaches permanently and increase their numbers in coach composition," said a Railway source.
He indicated that trains with year-round rush could see 10 to 12 AC 3-tier coach out of 22 to 24 coaches that make a train rake.
While 3.43 lakh (Rs 343,000) passengers travelled in AC 3-tier in 2008-09 fiscal, the number has touched 3.68 lakh (Rs 368,000) till January this year, a growth of 21.01 per cent.
In terms of earnings, the growth has been 19.02 per cent, with Railways making Rs 3.116 crore (Rs 31.16 million) from AC 3-tiers.
In comparison, the passenger growth in sleeper class has been a steady eight per cent, the source said.
Indications are that forthcoming Railway Budget could lay emphasis on accelerating production of AC three tier coaches.
Sources said such has been the demand in AC classes in recent times that Northern Railway alone has earmarked 150 existing trains which could be converted into full-AC trains in a feasibility study.
Data reveals that during this financial year up to January, passenger bookings in AC first class has also risen by 13.45 per cent and revenue by 14.26 per cent, while the bookings in AC second class rose by 10.42 per cent and earnings by 12.08 per cent.
About 3 lakh (Rs 300,000) passengers book berths in Railways each day.
