Vizag to have 151 more LHB coaches in a phased manner

Visakhapatnam: With a view to provide safe and comfortable journey to passengers, East Coast Railway (ECoR) decided to induct modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches and convert trains operating with conventional ICF type coaches into LHB coaches in a phased manner.

Based on the necessity, demand, maintenance, route feasibility, ECoR initiated conversion of conventional coaches of important long-distance trains with LHB coaches under its jurisdiction.

Currently, Visakhapatnam has 140 LHB coaches. 151 more such coaches were allotted by the Railway Board for Visakhapatnam for 2020-21 which will be deployed shortly, increasing the count of LBH coaches to 291.

Visakhapatnam-New Delhi AP express-Visakhapatnam AP Express started with LHB rake with all AC coaches and later sleeper class LHB coaches were added last January. In addition, Visakhapatnam-Korba-Visakhapatnam express also converted into LHB rake with effect from last month. The conversion of conventional rake of Visakhapatnam-Kadapa-Visakhapatnam to LHB rake is also under the pipeline.

As part of the upgradation of conventional coaches with modern facilities, improved interiors and exteriors under the project Utkrisht, Waltair Division converted 11 rakes into Utkirsht coaches in the first phase.

With more number of LHB and Utkrisht coaches to be added in near future, ECoR is focusing on providing enhanced comfort and safety to the passengers.