Hon’ble Union Minister of Railways, Electronics and Communications & IT visits Chennai
The Minister presides over 19th Convocation ceremony at SRM University
Inspects Steam heritage special tourist train at Dr MGR Chennai Central
Interacts with passengers, Press & Media and recognised Trade Unions
The Minister holds review meeting with General Manager, Southern Railway
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Union Minister of Railways, Electronics and Communications & Information Technology visited Chennai and participated in a series of events today, 8th July 2023.
Convocation at the SRM Institute
In the morning, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw graced the 19th Convocation of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattangulathur as Chief Guest and delivered the convocation address in the presence of Shri T.R. Paarivendhar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and Founder Chancellor, SRM Institute of Science and Technology. The Chief Guest and the dignitaries conferred degrees/diplomas upon graduating students from various disciplines such as Engineering & Technology, Medicine & Health Sciences, Management, Science and Humanities and Agricultural Sciences were conferred with degrees/diplomas by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.
Inspection of Steam Heritage special tourist train at Dr MGR Chennai Central
In the afternoon, the Hon'ble Union Minister visited Dr MGR Chennai Central accompanied by Shri R.N. Singh, General Manager, Principal Heads of Departments of Southern Railway, Shri Ganesh, DRM, Chennai and officials. The Minister inspected the Tourist Special ‘T’ Train that resembles the appearance of vintage Steam heritage special. The Minister lauded the efforts of Perambur Carriage & Wagon Works and Avadi EMU Car Shed and Trichy Goldenrock Workshop for the exceptional steam loco design and tourist-friendly features incorporated in the Heritage special coaches. The Minister stated that the Tourist Train has been rolled out on an experimental basis and will be inducted into service in the next few months. on successful operations, many such tourist special trains will be rolled out, the Minister commented.
A joint effort by EMU Car Shed, AVADI and Carriage works, Perambur, the work of modification and retro fitment of steam heritage special MEMU train was successfully carried out. The ‘T’ Train comprises two locos of MEMU Driving Motor Car modified to resemble steam locos and attached to both ends of the train replicating the look and feel arrangement of first indigenously built steam loco No. F734. The four self-generating AC Vistadome type coaches are attached in the middle of the rake formation with three chair cars and a fourth designated as restaurant car. These four coaches were converted duly incorporating modern features along with aesthetically designed interiors and fittings to have a pleasant and comfortable travel experience. Some of the modern and aesthetic features of the Tourist Special are ergonomic seating, window arrangement similar to Vistadome coaches, modular toilets, interior paneling, Public Address and Passenger Information system, among others. The ‘T’ special train is set to redefine travel experience captivating both heritage enthusiasts and avid travelers with its unique features.
(Details of the Tourist Special train are appended as Annexure-A.)
Later, the Minister interacted with media persons at Dr MGR Chennai Central. Indicating the budgetary outlay for Railways in Tamil Nadu, the Minister mentioned that the average budget outlay for the state during 2014-2023 is Rs.870 Crores and the outlay has increased to Rs.6080 Crores during 2023-24. The Minister remarked that many infrastructural projects are progressing at a steady pace in Tamil Nadu.
At Dr MGR Chennai Central, the Minister also met the representatives of recognized Trade Unions and Associations of Southern Railway besides interacting with the passengers.
Review Meeting at Southern Railway Headquarters
Followed by the inspection at Dr MGR Chennai Central, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Union Minister of Railways, Electronics and Communications & Information Technology held a review meeting at Southern Railway Headquarters. Shri R.N. Singh, General Manager, Southern Railway gave a presentation on the performance highlights of Southern Railway. The Minister commended the performance of the Zone on various facets of working and advised corrective action wherever required. The Minister reviewed and discussed matters concerning Safety, progress of infrastructural and station redevelopment projects, Speed enhancement works, timetabling of trains, maintenance of railway assets and enhancement of freight loading with General Manager and Principal Heads of Departments of Southern Railway.
After the review meeting, the Hon’ble Minister departed to the Integral Coach Factory for an inspection and review meeting.
B. Guganesan
Chief Public Relations Officer
Annexure – A
Tourist Special Train resembling Steam Heritage train
In a move to promote tourist-friendly trains and showcase the rich heritage of Indian Railways, Southern Railway has rolled out a Tourist Special Train christened ‘T’ Train integrating heritage and modern features and aesthetics. A joint effort by Avadi EMU Car Shed, Perambur Carriage works and Goldenrock Workshop, the work of modification and retrofitment of steam heritage special MEMU train was successfully carried out.
The ‘T’ Train comprises of two locos of MEMU Driving Motor Car modified to resemble steam locos and attached to both ends of the train replicating the look and feel arrangement of first indigenously built steam loco No. F734. The four self-generating AC Vistadom type coaches are attached in the middle of the rake formation with three chair cars and fourth designated as restaurant car. These four coaches were converted duly incorporating modern feature along with aesthetically designed interiors and fittings to have a pleasant and comfortable travel experience.
The Salient features of the train are indicated below:
The Steam loco type arrangement
EMU Car Shed, AVADI and carriage works, Perambur taken up the work of retro fitment steam heritage special MEMU train, comprising two steam engine look like MEMU(DMC) at both end with the look and feel arrangement of first indigenously built steam loco No. F734 and four Nos of self-generating ICF design Air conditioned coaches of Vistadome type coaches in the middle with three chair cars and fourth designated as restaurant car.
EMU Car Shed, AVADI, modified MEMU motor coaches with steam loco type boiler arrangement in the front portion of the motor coach with a length of 9 metres and dia of 1800 mm fabricated at GOC/Tiruchchirappalli. The propulsion system used is three phase Medha system and end to end communication is made through train line wiring and IV couplers with the AC chair cars. The cab portion shifted to middle with the cab ergonomics maintained as in the case of MEMU motor coaches and is provided with a curved roof structure. The lookout glass size is 875x500mm at both sides similar to long hood type locomotives and electrically operated wiper arrangement is provided.
A Bio-digester type toilet and a light refreshment room is provided behind the cab for utilization of the crew. The cab is provided with a 2 tonne capacity tower Air conditioner and the tender portion is provided with 3 tonne capacity Air conditioner and made as a utility area. The HT room arrangement is behind the cab and pantograph with roof equipment mounted over the flat roof of the HT room.
The braking system is similar to three phase MEMUs with regenerative braking and Electro Pneumatic braking system. The BC pressure setting of the DMCs is 1.6 Kg/cm2 and AC chair cars also provided with the same braking system with pressure setting of 3.8 Kg/Cm2. The bogies and underframe equipments are maintained as three phase MEMU DMCs. The mechanical parameters and coach measurements of DMCs maintained as like three phase MEMU DMCs.
To make the feel of steam locomotive fogging arrangement and sounding arrangement is incorporated in both the DMCs. The AC chair cars and restaurant car furnished with world class amenities for the travelling tourists. The pantry portion is made with a flameless kitchen and stainless steel furnishing.
The modified coaches
AC EXECUTIVE CHAIR CAR
(a) Seating arrangement in Executive Chair car:
ØNo. of seats – 48.
ØDouble seat with reclining mechanism along with Bottle holder and foot rest.
ØSunk in type snack tables provided in arm rest pocket.
ØProvision of Mobile charging point and USB port each for all passengers.
ØSeats are made up of PU foam meeting fire worthy properties.
(b)Window Arrangement similar to Vistadome coaches:
ØWider window of size 2200x1000mm for panaromic view.
ØTotal 10 window glasses per coach out of which 2 are emergency windows.
ØProtective filmis pasted on window glasses to prevent breakage of glasses due to stone pelting.
(c)FRP modular toilets with branded fittings:
ØOne coach consists of Two western style toilets withStainless steel Euro bowl (Western Style) – 02 Nos.
ØToilet Occupancy Indicator above compartment slidingdoors.
ØAutomatic hygiene and odour control device.
ØExhaust air arrangement with higher capacity blower fan.
ØElectro Pneumatic Pressurized Flushing System (EPFS).
ØAnti graffiti coating on toilet walls.
(d)Interior paneling:
ØInterior panels covered with decorative natural teak veneered plywood (4mm thick) on 8mm compreg sheets.
(e)Public address and Passenger Information System (PAPIS):
ØLED destination board compatible to display destination in multiple languages.
ØGPS based PAPIS system along with two display units which shall give the information like position of the train in real time, both location and speed, name of the next station, start and terminal station details, safety and other messages.
ØAutomatic audio and visual public announcement.
(f)Electrical Lighting arrangement:
ØWarm/natural white lighting.
ØRGB color strip lights around the AC duct - indirect lights.
ØLarge round shaped lights on the roof panels.
Ø Wall mount and wall washer lights.
ØTouch light mirror.
(g)Aesthetically designed Luggage rake arrangement.
(h)Exterior walls PU painted and covered with theme based vinyl wrapping.
(i)Electrically operated automatic compartment sliding doors.
(j)Mini pantry equipment in each coach (Hot case and bottle cooler cum deep freezer).
(k)Rubberized flooring meeting the fire safety properties.
(l)Provision of Fire Detection System (FDS).
AC RESTAURANT (PANTRY CUM DINING) CAR(Transportation Code – WCBACDSH):
Additional features in AC restaurant coach:
(a)Dining tables and chairs:
ØSeating Capacity –28
ØDining tables are made up of original teak wood and aesthetically designed.
Ø2 Seater sofa is made up of good quality teak wood frame with PU foam covered with washable upholstery.
(b)Integrated Pantry unit:
ØFlameless pantry arrangement with all stainless steel and electrically operated equipment.
ØPantry unit consist of Hot case, Hot water boiler, Cooking range, Electrical Chimney, Bottle cooler, Deep freezer and Refrigerator.
