Indian Railways has launched a sweeping upgrade of its Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi Express services, targeting long-standing passenger concerns around comfort, cleanliness, and onboard facilities across both networks.
The Railway Board has directed all zonal railways to inspect every rake and draw up time-bound action plans. Seating will be refreshed with new upholstery, functional snack tables, and USB charging ports. Toilets are in line for complete overhauls, covering fittings, drainage, and hygiene standards. Smoother rides, upgraded vestibules, improved LED lighting, and refreshed interiors are also part of the plan, alongside clearer destination boards, strengthened digital passenger information systems, and CCTV coverage.
Around 25 pairs of Shatabdi Express trains and more than two dozen Jan Shatabdi services will fall under the programme. Officials say the revamp is designed to meet rising expectations on reliability and comfort, complementing the broader rollout of Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains.
Zonal railways have been asked to conduct audits, identify gaps, and implement fixes under close monitoring, with improvements expected to benefit the large number of daily passengers these trains serve.
