New ‘economy’ AC-3 coaches earn Rs 231 cr in 1st year, data show no dent on regular AC-3 revenue

The Railways earned Rs 231 crore revenue in the first 12 months from its subsidised air-conditioned “economy” class coaches, data showed, setting aside apprehension that they would dent the earnings from the more profitable, the normal 3AC class. The “economy” class travel, targeted to draw in sleeper class passengers toward the “cheapest and the best AC travel”, gives the common man a taste of air-conditioned journey at a rate six to seven percent lower than the regular 3-AC class.