Nagpur: In a move aimed at improving passenger experience and safety, Central Railway (CR) has announced the conversion of the conventional ICF (Integral Coach Factory) rakes of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)-Nagpur Sewagram Express (Up and Down direction) into hi-tech LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) rakes.
The first rake of the 12140 Nagpur-CSMT Sewagram Express is set to commence its journey with LHB coaches from Nagpur on May 25. Subsequently, the 12139 CSMT-Nagpur Sewagram Express will follow suit, running with LHB coaches from May 26, 2024.
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Thursday 06 Feb. 2025
The second rake of the 12140 Nagpur-CSMT Sewagram Express is scheduled to operate with LHB coaches from Nagpur from May 26 while the 12139 CSMT-Nagpur Sewagram Express will start journey with LHB coaches from May 27. The revised composition of the train will feature a total of 22 coaches, including two AC-2 Tier, 12 AC-3 Tier Economy, 4 Sleeper Class, Three General Second Class coaches, including the Guard’s brake van, and one Generator Van.
Multiple advantages of LHB coaches
LHB coaches, developed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) of Germany, have been widely adopted by Indian Railways and are produced by rail coach manufacturing units at Kapurthala, Chennai, and Raebareli. These coaches offer numerous advantages over traditional ICF rakes, including being lighter and longer, facilitating better speed, enhanced safety features (such as not climbing adjacent coaches in case of derailment), increased seating capacity, and the installation of bio-toilets, stated a press release of CR.
Other benefits of LHB coaches include efficient braking at higher speeds, improved air conditioning, and their economical and low maintenance cost. The transition from ICF to LHB coaches is part of the ongoing efforts by Indian Railways to provide a superior and safer travel experience for passengers, the press release stated.
