2026 to Bring Smoother Train Travel for Barak Valley and Tripura Passengers; LHB Coaches on Silchar–Agartala Trains

The New Year is set to bring a noticeable change for train passengers travelling between Silchar, Agartala and Dima Hasao, as the Northeast Frontier Railway has announced the early introduction of modern LHB coaches on two key daily trains in the region.

The Northeast Frontier Railway has decided to prepone the conversion of the Silchar–Agartala Express and the Agartala–DMR–Agartala Passenger train from conventional coaches to Linke Hofmann Busch, or LHB, coaches. The revised arrangement will come into effect from the first days of January 2026, according to an official notification issued from NFR headquarters at Maligaon.

As per the announcement, Train No. 15664/15663 Silchar–Agartala–Silchar Express will start running with LHB coaches from Silchar with effect from January 1, 2026, and from Agartala from January 2, 2026. Similarly, Train No. 55675/55676 Agartala–DMR–Agartala Passenger will be converted to LHB coaches from Agartala starting January 1, 2026, and from DMR from January 2, 2026.

At present, both trains operate with conventional ICF coaches. These older coaches have been in service across Indian Railways for decades and are heavier, less energy efficient and offer comparatively lower safety standards. The current rake composition consists of 22 coaches, including general, sleeper and guard coaches.

Under the revised plan, the trains will run with 16 LHB coaches. LHB coaches are lighter, designed for higher speeds and are equipped with improved suspension systems. They are also considered safer, as they are built to reduce the risk of coaches overturning or piling up during accidents.

As per the notification, the existing rake of the Silchar–Agartala Express and the Agartala–DMR–Agartala Passenger currently consists of 22 conventional ICF coaches, including general second class, sleeper class, chair car, guard and luggage vans. Under the revised arrangement, the trains will operate with 16 LHB coaches. The new composition includes LHB luggage and guard coaches, LHB AC chair car coaches, LHB non-AC coaches and sleeper coaches, reflecting a complete shift from the older conventional design to the modern LHB system, along with a reduction in the total number of coaches.

For passengers, the change is expected to bring a smoother ride, better stability and improved overall comfort. However, the reduction in the total number of coaches may also lead to higher demand for seats, especially during peak travel periods. Railway officials have not announced any change in fares linked to the conversion.

With the rollout scheduled to coincide with the start of the New Year, passengers travelling on these routes can expect a new travel experience from January 2026, as modern coaches gradually replace the old ones on this important northeastern rail corridor.