Bhubaneswar, February 24: In a significant move to enhance passenger safety, comfort and overall travel experience, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) is set to replace the conventional coaches of two important Intercity Express trains with modern LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches from February 25.
Details of the trains to be upgraded with LHB coaches with effect from 25th February 2026:
• 18301/18302 Sambalpur–Rayagada–Sambalpur Intercity Express
• 18303/18304 Sambalpur–Puri–Sambalpur Intercity Express
Coach Composition:
18301/18302 Sambalpur–Rayagada–Sambalpur Intercity Express will have:
• One Sleeper Class (3-Tier, Non-AC) Coach
• One Second Class Reserved Seating Coach
• Five General Second Class Coaches
• One Guard-cum-Power Car
• One Guard-cum-Second Class Coach for Divyangjan passengers
18303/18304 Sambalpur–Puri–Sambalpur Intercity Express will have:
• Two AC Chair Car Coaches
• Two Second Class Reserved Seating Coaches
• Eight General Second Class Coaches
• One Guard-cum-Power Car
• One Guard-cum-Second Class Coach for Divyangjan passengers
The LHB coaches are designed with advanced safety features, improved riding comfort, better suspension systems and enhanced aesthetics. These coaches also offer superior stability at higher speeds and are equipped with modern amenities for passenger convenience.
This upgradation reflects East Coast Railway’s continued commitment to modernization and safety enhancement, in line with the broader vision of Indian Railways to progressively replace conventional coaches with safer and more comfortable LHB coaches across the network, said ECoR.
Passengers travelling on these routes will benefit from enhanced comfort, improved safety standards and a better overall travel experience, ECoR added.
