First fireproof coach on run

That is not all 8212; soon you might find the small, round, uncomfortable chairs that drivers sit on, only in railway museums. In fact the Railways is planning AC cabins for drivers.

Until recently, conventional wisdom was rooted in making life as uncomfortable as possible for drivers. Authorities believed this would keep them awake and prevent accidents.

8216;8216;Wood has been replaced wherever possible,8217;8217; said a senior Northern Railways official. 8216;8216;Also, fluorescent lighting is being used not incandescent lighting to reduce chances of short-circuits,8217;8217; he explained.

The new design has incorporated fire-retardant materials in the place of cotton and wool. Emergency doors have been widened, and once production begins, the number of emergency exits will increase. But that will take some time.