Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 18: In a move to enhance passenger comfort, the Indian Railways has announced that two trains connecting Bengaluru with the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada will be upgraded with modern LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches. This change follows the earlier conversion of the Matsyagandha Express to LHB coaches, providing a safer and more comfortable travel experience.

The Palakkad Division of Southern Railway, through an official release, confirmed that the conversion of the two trains to LHB coaches will take effect from May this year. Train No. 16585 SMVT Bengaluru-Murudeshwar Express will run with LHB coaches from May 5, while Train No. 16586 Murudeshwar-SMVT Bengaluru Express will operate with LHB coaches from May 6. Similarly, Train No. 16511 KSR Bengaluru-Kannur Express will switch to LHB coaches from May 7, and Train No. 16512 Kannur-KSR Bengaluru Express will use LHB coaches from May 8.

Once converted, the trains will have a total of 20 coaches, including one First Class AC, two Two-Tier AC, four Three-Tier AC, seven Second-Class Sleeper, four General Second-Class, and two Generator Car Coaches. Currently, these trains run with ICF coaches comprising 22 coaches, including First Class AC, Two-Tier AC, Three-Tier AC, Second-Class Sleeper, General Second-Class, and Luggage-cum-Brake Vans.

The transition to LHB coaches offers several advantages, including enhanced safety during accidents, as these coaches remain upright in a zigzag manner instead of derailing. The coaches also reduce noise levels and feature modern toilet facilities with an upgraded design.

Earlier, the Matsyagandha Express, connecting the Karnataka coast with Mumbai, was also upgraded to LHB coaches, fulfilling a long-standing demand from passengers. The LHB coaches, built with advanced German technology, have been operational since February 17.