Parliament Question: Upgradation of Silchar–Guwahati Trains from ICF to LHB Coaches

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4325 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026 UPGRADATION OF SILCHAR - GUWAHATI TRAINS FROM ICF TO LHB COACHES 4325. SHRI PARIMAL SUKLABAIDYA: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that Train No. 15616 operating on the Silchar–Guwahati route in Cachar district, Assam is still running with outdated Integral Coach Factory (ICF) coaches and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether any proposal exists for conversion of this service to Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches/rakes with dedicated power cars and if so, the details thereof; and (c) the timeline fixed for such upgradation in view of passenger safety and comfort? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) (a) to (c) Modernization and improvement/up-gradation of Rolling Stock to enhance safety, convenience and comfort of passengers is a continuous and on-going process on Indian Railways(IR). Accordingly, IR have gradually proliferated technologically superior LHB(Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches on its network. LHB Coaches: LHB coaches have modular interiors, improved aesthetics, lightweight design, Air Springs (Secondary) stainless steel shell and disc brake system for improved riding. These coaches have a design speed of 180 Kmph and an operating speed of 160 Kmph, as compared to the §conventional ICF (Integral Coach Factory) design coaches of the 1960s. The LHB Coaches have the following features: i. Better riding quality. ii. Lightweight design. iii. Anti-telescopic & Anti-climbing features. iv. Centre Buffer Coupler. v. Axle mounted disc brake system. vi. Less corrosive shell vii. FRP modular toilet with Electro Pneumatic pressurized flushing system viii. Aerosol based fire suppression system in electrical cubicles Production: The Production of LHB coaches has been ramped up across IR. The production during 2014-25 vis-à-vis 2004-14 is as under: Period LHB coaches manufactured 2004-14 2,337 nos. 2014-25 42,677 nos. (more than 18 times) Replacement: The replacement of earlier ICF coaches with safer and modern LHB coaches is being undertaken in a phased manner and as of now, more than 75% ICF rakes on the Indian Railways network have been replaced with or are being operated using LHB rakes. Besides, replacement of ICF (Integral Coach Factory) design coaches with LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches is an on-going process subject to operational requirement, availability of LHB coaches, competing demands etc. *****