As the Train No.22708 Tirupati-Visakhapatnam Double-Decker AC Express chugged out of the railway station here on Friday after it was formally flagged off Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu via remote video link from two different destinations, questions arose on its viability through consistent occupancy, which translates into profitability.
People have a genuine reason for delight as this train fills the void in the high-density traffic route between the two destinations linking the two ends of the new State, where the demand for new trains has always remained unsaturated. The second reason for delight is the fancy-looking fully air-conditioned rake with bright red and yellow colours and the elegant-looking interiors. More than that, the double decker seating facility is all set to increase the craze for travel.
But the dream to travel in a double-decker train is feared to be short-lived and hence may not yield repeat travellers. It may be recalled that similar double- decker trains in the Kacheguda - Tirupati and Kacheguda - Guntur routes were withdrawn for lack of patronage.
The absence of berths makes it look like a chair car and as such commuters might avoid opting it for long distance travel. With regard to the fare, passengers will have to cough up charges equivalent to third AC, though they do not get a berth.
The only silver lining is the high demand in the short distance and as such officials pin hope on the commuters in the Tirupati-Vijayawada and Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam sections.
It will be a second option for travellers who fail to get reservation in other trains. The railways also hope to attract those travelling by bus.
