India’s first 3-AC economy coach special train launched

01 Nov 2021 CW Team

The Gati Shakti Express, India's first new 3-AC economy coach special train, will also stop at Prayagraj, according to North Central Railway (NCR) officials. It will connect Delhi's Anand Vihar Terminal with Patna Junction.

The train began service on Friday and will make five trips in both directions until November 7 to accommodate the influx of passengers expected during the upcoming festivals of Diwali and Chhath Puja, according to NCR officials.

The train will leave Anand Vihar Terminal at 11:10 pm on Friday, October 31, November 2, November 5, and November 7, and arrive at Patna Junction at 3:45 pm the following day.

Train No 01683 would leave Patna Junction at 5:45 pm on October 30, November 1, November 3, November 6, and November 8, and arrive at Anand Vihar Terminal at 9:50 am the following day.

In both directions, the train will stop at Kanpur Central, Prayagraj Junction, Varanasi, Pt Deen Dayal Upadhaya Junction, and Danapur.

Prayagraj-Jaipur and Prayagraj-Udhampur Express use AC-three tier economy coaches at the moment.

The electrical panels on the AC-three tier economy coaches have been redesigned, giving passengers more floor space. These coaches have 83 berths each, which is 11 more than the three-tier AC coaches currently in use.

Seats and berths have been improved, with fire-resistant materials and illuminated seat numbers. Comfortable and ergonomically designed climbing ladders for middle and upper berths, as well as individualised AC vents, reading lights, and USB charging sockets for each passenger, are all standard on the coaches.

Elegant bottle holders and foldable snack tables are built into the sidewalls of the coaches. These coaches also have Divyang-friendly entry and exit points, as well as one toilet door that is Divyang-friendly.

Image Source

Also read: India to add 1 lakh km road network for national highway expansion

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..

UPI Crosses 500 Million Users, Fuels MSME and Digital Growth

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved a new milestone, surpassing 500 million consumers and 65 million merchants across India. The platform, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has expanded its reach to nearly 99 percent of the country’s pin codes, underlining its deep penetration into both urban and rural markets. According to a report by NPCI and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, UPI has evolved from being a digital payments mechanism into a key enabler of financial inclusion and small business growth. I..