Jhansi Trains: More Sleeper Coaches, Fewer AC Coaches Added
Indian Railways is implementing a strategic shift in coach composition for trains departing from Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi station. This move is specifically designed to enhance the travel experience for non-AC passengers by increasing the availability of sleeper class coaches on key routes.
Key Routes Affected by the Change
The modification will primarily impact major services, including:
- Jhansi-Kolkata Express
- Bandra-Jhansi Express
To accommodate the additional sleeper carriages, the number of air-conditioned (AC) coaches on these routes will be reduced. This decision aligns with a broader mandate from Indian Railways to improve travel conditions for passengers traveling in non-AC segments.
New Standards for LHB Rakes
The changes follow a new operational requirement for express trains utilizing 22-coach LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) rakes. Since these rakes constitute approximately 80 to 85 percent of the national fleet, the new composition rules are highly significant for the network:
- Minimum Non-AC Coaches: Every 22-coach rake must now include at least 12 non-AC sleeper and general class coaches.
- Maximum AC Coaches: The number of AC coaches is now limited to a maximum of eight per train.
This structural adjustment aims to alleviate overcrowding in general and sleeper categories, which is a common challenge during high-demand periods and major festivals.
Permanent Adjustments vs. Seasonal Services
While special train services, such as the 02200 service between Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi and Bandra Terminus, were previously deployed to manage peak summer traffic, the current changes represent a permanent structural adjustment to the train compositions rather than a temporary measure.
In related operational news, updates are also being observed in the Agra rail division, where service changes have been implemented due to recent weather-related challenges, including heavy fog.