New Delhi, April 28 -- Indian Railways is set to upgrade its Shatabdi and Jan-Shatabdi trains, covering 100 services, with focus on passenger comfort, cleanliness and modern amenities, according to an official directive. In an order on April 23, the Rail Board directed general managers of all zonal railways to carry out rake inspections and prepare a comprehensive action plan. The order stated that trains must be "maintained in good fettle, and upgrades must be carried out on items affecting the passenger interface." The improvements, to be carried out across 100 services, will begin once the plans are finalised, officials said. The upgrades will cover washrooms, including doors, engagement locks, washbasins, flushing systems, amenities and drainage. The board also directed the zones to improve the seat upholstery and associated amenity items like mobile charging ports, snack tables, foot rests, armrests, roller blinds and magazine pockets. Coach interiors, flooring inside coaches and areas near washrooms, vestibules and overhead panels will be improved to prevent jerks. Other upgrades like exterior aesthetics of coaches, window glasses and destination (panel) boards, digital passenger information systems and CCTVs will also be initiated. "The focus is on modernising the flagship trains and continuing to meet rising expectations in terms of cleanliness, reliability and modern amenities," an official said. The board is awaiting detailed ideas on the improvement plans before the work begins....