Indian Railway: Now AC like coach facilities will be available in sleeper coaches

In a move aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and hygiene, Indian Railways has announced that AC coach-like facilities will now be introduced in sleeper class coaches of long-distance trains. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize non-AC travel and provide a more comfortable journey experience for millions of passengers.

As part of this upgrade, liquid hand wash dispensers will be installed in sleeper coaches — a facility previously available only in air-conditioned reserved compartments. The initiative will be implemented across long-distance mail and express trains that are equipped with On-Board Housekeeping Services (OBHS).

The decision reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to improving hygiene and sanitation standards in non-AC coaches, which are used by a large segment of the travelling public. With the introduction of liquid soap dispensers, sleeper class passengers will now have access to the same handwashing amenities as those in AC classes.

This enhancement comes alongside a series of broader upgrades at railway stations and in general coaches, where Indian Railways has been working to improve cleanliness, convenience, and passenger safety.

Following approval from the Railway Board, the new hygiene measures will be rolled out in all non-AC reserved sleeper coaches with OBHS. Railway officials have confirmed that this is just one among several planned improvements aimed at narrowing the service gap between AC and non-AC compartments.

“Our goal is to ensure that every passenger — irrespective of the class of travel — experiences a clean and comfortable journey,” a senior railway official stated.