LHB upgrade in Kannur Janshatabdi Express to enhance travel comfort, but there's a catch

Kozhikode: Starting this Sunday, 29 September, the Kannur Janshatabdi Express will feature new LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) coaches, marking a significant upgrade for passengers. While the new coaches promise improved travel comfort, they will result in a reduction in the total number of seats available.

Currently, the Janshatabdi Express operates with 21 ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches, which include 16 chair cars, three AC chair cars, and two SLR (Seating-cum-Luggage) coaches. The new LHB rake will retain the same number of chair cars but will replace one of the SLR coaches with a generator and a luggage-cum-brake van.

Current capacity

Total seats: 1,856
Chair cars: 1,696 passengers in 16 cars (106 seats each)
SLR coaches: 160 passengers in 2 coaches

New LHB rake

Total seats: 1,663
Chair cars: 16 cars with 102 seats each
SLR coach: 1 coach, holding 31 passengers
Shortage: 193 seats compared to current capacity

AC chair cars

Current seats: 219 in 3 coaches
New seats: Increased to 234

Additional demand

A request has been made for space for 17 wheelchairs to help address the seating shortage.

LHB coaches

The Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coach is a modern passenger coach used by Indian Railways, developed by the German company Linke-Hofmann-Busch. Introduced in 2000, these coaches are designed for the broad gauge network of Indian Railways. Initially, 24 air-conditioned LHB coaches were imported from Germany for Shatabdi Express services. Following a technology transfer, the Rail Coach Factory began local production.