New LHB coaches of Sampark Kranti Express; travel to Delhi now smoother, safer

Travelling between Silchar and Delhi to become more convenient and comfortable as Indian railways has upgraded the coaches of Silchar New Delhi Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express from conventional to Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) rake. The upgraded train began its maiden journey on 28 November from New Delhi and reached Silchar, today early morning. Currently the new blushing red rake is parked at Silchar station’s pit line and is undergoing necessary safety checks.

LHB coaches are new generation passenger type coaches, which are lighter in weight, have higher carrying capacity, with better safety features. They are also equipped with bio toilets and other modern passenger amenities.

The newly upgraded rake will compose of one AC first class cum AC 2 tier coach, one AC 2tier, four AC 3 tier, eight sleeper coaches, four general second class, one pantry car and two Luggage cum Generator Car.

Moreover as Silchar cannot cater the maintenance of LHB coaches, the primary maintenance of Poorvottar Samparkkranti has been shifted from Northeast Frontier Railway to Northern Railways. However the secondary maintenance will continue to undergo at Silchar after every run.

Linke Hofmann Busch coaches were first developed by Linke Hofmann Busch of Germany on 1998. In India, it was first introduced in year 2000 however the first coach was put into service in 2003. LHB coaches offer better riding comfort and more importantly are safer. LHB coaches boast of anti-climbing features which makes them safer in case of an accident. The anti-climbing feature helps avoid a pile-up of coaches on top of each other in case of an accident, hence reducing the chances of a higher number of casualties and injuries.