Indian Railways will introduce modern LHB coaches on the Kanchanjunga Express from November 28–29, enhancing safety, comfort, and travel efficiency for passengers on the Sealdah–Sabroom and Sealdah–Silchar routes with upgraded, high-speed, anti-telescopic rakes.
Indian Railways has announced that the Kanchanjunga Express will soon operate with state-of-the-art Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches. The upgrade will replace the aged ICF rakes currently in service on Train No. 13173/13174 (Sealdah–Sabroom) and 13175/13176 (Sealdah–Silchar). The new rakes will be introduced on November 28 and 29, according to an official press release issued by the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) in Maligaon.
The Kanchanjunga Express is one of the most vital railway links between eastern India and the northeastern region, carrying thousands of passengers daily across multiple states. Its role is not limited to transportation alone—it contributes significantly to socio-economic integration, tourism, commercial connectivity, and regional mobility. With the induction of LHB coaches, the service is expected to register marked improvements in safety, comfort, speed, and efficiency.
LHB coaches, designed by Linke Hofmann Busch of Germany, are globally recognized for their superior engineering and enhanced passenger-centric features. The transition from the traditional ICF coaches to LHB rakes signals a major step forward in Indian Railways’ broader modernization mission.
Enhanced Safety Features and Comfortable Travel
The newly inducted LHB coaches come equipped with an anti-telescopic design, a crucial safety feature that prevents coaches from piling over one another during collisions. This significantly reduces the impact on passengers in case of accidents.
Additionally, LHB coaches are fitted with advanced suspension systems that minimize vibrations, ensuring passengers enjoy a smoother, quieter, and more stable journey. Their lightweight stainless-steel body structure not only enhances durability but also allows for higher operational speeds.
The interior design has also been upgraded to provide a more aesthetically pleasant environment, with improved lighting, ergonomics, and passenger-friendly layouts. These enhancements collectively uplift the overall in-train experience for long-distance travelers.
Balanced Accommodation to Serve All Travel Classes
As per the official release, the new LHB rake composition will include:
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Five AC 3-Tier coaches
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One AC 2-Tier coach
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Nine Sleeper Class coaches
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Four General Sitting coaches
This balanced arrangement ensures adequate capacity across premium and affordable travel categories, addressing the needs of a diverse range of passengers. The additional safety, speed, and comfort offered by LHB coaches are expected to significantly improve public satisfaction and service reliability.
Official Statement (Translated into English)
The NFR CPRO, in the press release, emphasized the importance of the upgrade, stating:
“Indian Railways is committed to enhancing passenger comfort and safety. The introduction of modern LHB coaches in the Kanchanjunga Express reflects our continuous efforts to modernize rolling stock and provide world-class service to passengers.”
The statement further added:
“These advanced coaches are designed with superior safety mechanisms and improved comfort features. We are confident that the upgraded rake will greatly benefit the passengers who rely on this important route between eastern and northeastern India.”
A Step Toward Modernizing Indian Railways
The induction of LHB rakes is not merely a technical replacement—it represents a major step in Indian Railways’ ongoing pursuit of innovation, efficiency, and modernization. In recent years, the national transporter has adopted multiple new technologies, upgraded signalling systems, revamped stations, and expanded its fleet of premium coaches.
The modernization of trains like the Kanchanjunga Express demonstrates the Railways’ resolve to meet the rising expectations of passengers and provide safer, faster, cleaner, and more comfortable travel experiences.
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With this upgrade, Indian Railways has reaffirmed its commitment to building a future-ready transportation system that aligns with global standards. Passengers traveling on the Sealdah–Sabroom and Sealdah–Silchar routes can look forward to an enhanced experience beginning November 28–29.
