Eastern Railway adds permanent AC coach to Sahibganj Howrah Intercity Express

Eastern Railway is upgrading the Sahibganj-Howrah Intercity Express with a permanent air-conditioned coach to improve passenger comfort and meet rising travel demand. Passengers travelling on this busy route will soon experience better facilities as railway authorities implement this much-awaited service enhancement starting next month.

Key details of the train coach augmentation include:
- Train Number: 13428/13427 Sahibganj-Howrah Intercity Express
- Effective Date: September 5, 2026
- Coach Type: Permanent AC 3-tier coach replacing one general coach
- Booking Date: Started from September 2, 2026
- Issuing Authority: Malda Division of Eastern Railway

Addressing Passenger Demand

The decision comes as a major relief for daily commuters and regular travellers who have been facing immense rush on this route. By replacing a general coach with a modern AC 3-tier coach, the Malda Division aims to reduce overcrowding and cater to the growing preference for climate-controlled travel options. Railway enthusiasts and regular passengers have welcomed the upgrade, noting that it brings much-needed comfort to long-distance journeys on the Sahibganj-Howrah corridor.

Local Representation and Official Approval

This infrastructure upgrade is also the result of continuous follow-ups by local leadership. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha central spokesperson Pankaj Mishra and MLA MT Raja had earlier formally advocated for this requirement, presenting the public demand directly to the railway authorities. Following their appeals and a thorough feasibility review, the railway administration sanctioned the permanent inclusion of the AC coach, ensuring smoother and more comfortable journeys for thousands of passengers.