Indian Railways has announced a major change in the coach composition of the Dhanbad-Bhubaneswar Express (Train No. 18404/18403). The new arrangement will be implemented from July 10, 2026, for trains departing from Bhubaneswar and from July 11, 2026, for those departing from Dhanbad. This move aims to better manage crowds and meet the increasing demand for AC travel.
What are the changes in coach and seat numbers?
The railway administration has decided to reduce the number of Sleeper coaches while increasing the capacity for AC and General passengers. These changes are based on modern travel patterns to provide more comfort to the passengers.
| Coach Type | Current Status | New Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeper | 08 Coaches (640 seats) | 06 Coaches (480 seats) | 160 seats decreased |
| Third AC | 03 Coaches (216 seats) | 04 Coaches (288 seats) | 72 seats increased |
| General | 03 Coaches (300 capacity) | 04 Coaches (400 capacity) | 100 seats increased |
Why did Indian Railways make these changes?
The primary goal of this restructuring is effective crowd management. By adding more General coaches, the railways intend to provide relief to unreserved passengers. Additionally, the increase in Third AC coaches is a response to the rising demand for air-conditioned travel among passengers on this specific route.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the new coach composition start for Dhanbad-Bhubaneswar Express?
The changes will be effective from July 10, 2026, for trains starting from Bhubaneswar and from July 11, 2026, for trains starting from Dhanbad.
How many Sleeper seats will be reduced in this train?
The number of Sleeper coaches will decrease from 8 to 6, which means a total reduction of 160 seats.