15906 VIVEK EXPRESS

Train number 15905 / 15906 Vivek Express which runs between Dibrugarh and Kanyakumari has been upgraded recently with various passenger friendly amenities under “Project Utkrisht” by the Tinsukia Division of N.F. Railway. It may be mentioned here that journey by Vivek Express is the longest train journey in the country which covers the distance of 4273 kms in 79 hrs (Approx) with 57 intermediate stoppages.

The newly modified rake with all its upgraded features and with the new colour scheme o­n the exterior – beige and maroon was flagged off o­n 09-02-2019 from Dibrugarh station by the senior most technician of Dibrugarh Coaching Depot, Shri Akhtar Hussain who is going to retire from service this month in presence of Divisional Railway Manager / Tinsukia Division and other senior officials.

Under Project Utkrisht, all coaches of the revamped rakes have been fitted with ‘Swachh Rail Toilet’, which not o­nly reduces water consumption while flushing, but also ensures that the stench is minimal. The new toilets have various advantages like – no choking, quick discharge to bio toilet tank, complete sealing of odour, garbage bags in toilet etc. All AC coaches are also provided with the new features like LED panel lighting, new types of bottle holders, braille signage, night glow stickers, new types of fire extinguishers, LED panel photo frame in first AC coaches, big size mirrors, anti-graffiti vinyl wrapping in the gangway area, toilets with exhaust fans, health faucets, auto janitors, Odonil containers, large size mirror, auto janitor system to control bad odour etc. which will greatly help long distance passengers. All coaches will be fitted with energy-efficient LED lights – in the main interior, doorway, gangway and inside toilets. The upgradation of such facilities slightly differs in sleeper class coaches and unreserved coaches. Even the pantry car have been upgraded with stainless steel panelling, stainless steel chequered plate o­n the floor and new stainless steel utensils and equipment for better hygiene. This train is being maintained under OBHS (Online House Keeping System). Accordingly, cleaning of toilets will be done every two hours and GPS tagged biometric attendance system has been provided. Suitable good quality posters have been framed and fitted highlighting cultures of North Eastern Region to improve the aesthetics inside coaches. Western style toilets in AC coaches also have provision of seat cover dispenser. Good quality destination boards provided in all selected trains.

Implementation of the Project Utkrisht is a dashboard item of the Railway Minister, i.e. it is being monitored by the Railway Minister personally o­n regular basis. The target for upgrading the rakes is by 31^st March 2019 after which more such rakes will be taken up in the next phase under this project.