Indian Railways is upgrading its train coaches to make travel more comfortable and safe for passengers. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently shared details about new coach designs that focus on reducing travel fatigue. These updates include better seating and high-tech toilet facilities to improve hygiene.
What are the new features of these coaches?
The new coaches will come with several modern amenities to help passengers have a better journey. Key features include:
- Ergonomic seats with better cushioning and more legroom
- Microprocessor-controlled air conditioning and LED lighting
- Larger windows and better insulation to reduce noise
- Advanced suspension systems for a smoother ride
How are the toilet facilities being improved?
A major part of this upgrade is the focus on cleanliness and sanitation. The Railway Board is installing modular bio-toilets to address odor and hygiene complaints. Since February 2023, the ministry set a target to install 6,000 newly designed washrooms every year in LHB coaches to ensure better passenger amenities.
Which trains are getting LHB coach upgrades?
Indian Railways is moving towards Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) technology for better safety and speed. The following updates have been announced:
| Train/Project | Update Detail |
|---|---|
| Jan Shatabdi Express | Conventional coaches replaced with LHB rakes |
| General Coaches | 1,000 new LHB coaches added to 370 trains |
| Non-AC Coaches | Plan to produce 10,000 coaches by 2025-26 |
| Manufacturing Units | ICF Chennai and RCF Kapurthala involved |