Sleeper Coach Cut in 10+ Popular Tamil Nadu Trains Why AC Coaches Are Taking Over
Sleeper Coach reductions across major trains in Tamil Nadu are raising concern among regular passengers, especially those relying on affordable travel options. Sleeper coach changes are now shaking up train travel in Tamil Nadu. In a major shift, Southern Railway has started reducing the number of sleeper coaches in over ten popular express trains and replacing them with more expensive 3AC and 2AC air-conditioned coaches. This move has triggered concern among regular passengers, especially those from middle- and low-income groups who rely on affordable sleeper class tickets for long-distance travel.
The sleeper coach cuts are being implemented in high-demand trains like the Cheran Superfast Express (Chennai–Coimbatore), Nilgiri Express (Chennai–Mettupalayam), Chennai–Thiruvananthapuram Express, Nellai Express (Chennai–Tirunelveli), Pothigai Express (Chennai–Sengottai), and the Chennai–Mangaluru Superfast Express. All of these routes see heavy passenger traffic every day, with many travelers choosing sleeper class due to its budget-friendly fares.
Sleeper Coach Reductions Spark Worries as Southern Railway Reworks Train Layouts for Efficiency
Each of these express trains typically runs with 22 coaches. Until now, about 7 to 9 of those were sleeper coaches, accommodating roughly 80 to 160 passengers per train at a low cost. Under the new arrangement, Southern Railway is trimming sleeper coaches to 6 or 7 per train. In their place, they’re adding two 3AC coaches, or in some cases, one 3AC and one 2AC coach. This means that dozens of affordable sleeper seats are being replaced by high-priced AC alternatives.
For example, the Cheran and Chennai–Mangaluru SF trains will both lose two sleeper coaches, dropping from nine to seven. This seemingly small change could have a significant impact, especially during peak travel seasons when confirmed sleeper tickets are already hard to get.
Sleeper Coach Cuts May Improve Operations, but Budget Travelers Face the Cost
This isn’t limited to Tamil Nadu routes alone. Long-distance trains like the Tiruchirappalli–Howrah Express, Nagercoil–Mumbai Express, Kanyakumari–Hazrat Nizamuddin Express, Nagercoil–Gandhidham Express, and Ernakulam–Nizamuddin Express are also seeing sleeper coach reductions. In total, sleeper coaches are being phased out from at least seven additional long-haul trains.
Railway passengers, especially budget travelers, are voicing their concerns. Many fear that fewer sleeper coaches will make it even harder to get confirmed tickets and may force them to spend more on AC tickets or even reconsider train travel altogether. Families traveling together, students, and working-class individuals who frequently use sleeper class are likely to feel the brunt of this change.
Railway authorities, however, say this move is part of a broader strategy to optimize rake utilization and streamline coach composition across the network. They’ve clarified that the decision is aimed solely at enhancing operational efficiency and not driven by commercial motives. According to officials, modernizing the coach configuration will help railways manage demand better and improve overall service.
Sleeper Coach Cuts May Improve Operations, but Budget Travelers Face the Cost
Still, many travelers aren’t convinced. They argue that the sleeper coach category is already under pressure and replacing it with costlier AC classes only widens the affordability gap. With more people struggling to manage travel costs, losing low-fare options adds another layer of difficulty.
The change also reflects Indian Railways’ ongoing trend of upgrading long-distance trains to “premium” configurations. While this does bring better comfort and safety for AC passengers, it raises questions about accessibility for those who depend on non-AC coaches.
Some passengers have demanded that Southern Railway reconsider the decision or at least ensure that sleeper class availability remains sufficient on key routes. With so many Tamil Nadu residents relying on trains for both work and family travel, even minor changes in coach composition can lead to widespread disruptions.
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Conclusion :
Sleeper coach cuts in popular Tamil Nadu trains may streamline operations, but they risk leaving behind thousands of budget travelers. As more AC coaches roll in, many are hoping the railway finds a balance between efficiency and affordability.
