Project Swarna: Jalpaiguri-Howrah Shatabdi becomes second train to get 'Gold' makeover, dozens to follow

Indian Railways has upgraded New Jalpaiguri-Howrah Shatabdi Express to 'Gold Standard' under Project Swarna. Now it will be called Jalpaiguri-Howrah Swarna Shatabdi Express. Project Swarna aims at improving aesthetics, amenities, security, cleanliness and services.

This is the second train upgraded under Project Swarna after New Delhi–Sealdah Rajdhani Express in November last year. In the first phase of the project, 14 Rajdhani and 15 Shatabdi trains will be upgraded. The first phase includes all the Shatabdi Express trains in Northeast Frontier Railway. Next up for the Swarna upgrade are Guwahati–Naharlagun Shatabdi Express and Guwahati–Dibrugarh Shatabdi Express.

Average cost of Swarna upgrade of a train is around Rs 50 lakh, and around Rs 2 lakh for one coach.

Below are some of the salient features of first Swarna Shatabdi Express between New Jalpaiguri and Howrah:

1. International colour scheme for interiors.

2. LED lighting to improve illumination, including over mirrors.

3. Auto Janitor system for fully automatic surface care in toilets, in addition to health faucets, stainless steel wash basins, improved soap dispensers and dustbins, polished commodes, epoxy coating and extra mats to keep the floor dry.

4. Night signage for easy identifications of berth numbers.

5. Improved magazine bags with extra pocket for mobile phone.

6. Vinyl wrapping of toilet doors.