Indian Railways has initiated a major upgrade for passengers in Odisha by transitioning the Bhubaneswar–Junagarh Road Super Fast Express (train Nos. 20837/20838) from conventional ICF coaches to modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) rakes, enhancing safety, comfort and reliability along the route. The first service with the new LHB rake will run from Bhubaneswar on 8 August 2025, followed by departure from Junagarh Road on 9 August 2025. The revamped composition includes 2 AC 2 tier coaches, 4 AC 3 tier coaches, 5 sleeper coaches, 4 second class seating coaches, one power car, and a coach allocated for differently abled passengers. This configuration ensures a balanced and inclusive passenger experience while increasing operational efficiency.
LHB coaches are recognised for superior design features, including anti collision buffers, better ride stability and lower maintenance needs. Indian Railways’ shift to LHB across key routes underscores its commitment to passenger-centric upgrades, especially for inter state links between coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Transport analysts believe the upgrade will significantly raise service standards in a region characterised by diverse demographics and economic profiles. Equipped with advanced safety technology and increased capacity, LHB rakes are expected to transform travel expectations for long-distance commuters, enhancing both comfort and reliability.
Railway officials confirm that the service will maintain a daily frequency across 655 km, traversing 17 major stations over approximately 11½ hours. With a maximum operating speed of 110 km/h and average speeds near 57 km/h, the train’s operational profile is now well supported by LHB’s performance envelope.
Public response has been largely positive. Users on rail forums note that past transitions to LHB coaches sometimes altered coach mix, occasionally reducing sleeper or general seating and increasing AC berths, a change that can impact affordability. Some passengers may welcome modern comforts but miss the flexibility of lower-tier seating layouts.
Exploring this from a broader perspective, the upgrade aligns with sustainable transport goals. LHB coaches deliver improved fuel efficiency and lower carbon footprint due to reduced weight and higher operational reliability. The enhanced durability also reduces lifecycle emissions, supporting government’s zero net carbon objectives. Officials emphasized that the new rake bolsters connectivity not only within Odisha but also into Andhra Pradesh, enabling smoother socio-economic integration between urban hubs and tribal hinterlands. Strategically, this upgrade signals Indian Railways’ intent to modernise mobility while maintaining equitable access.
From the passengers’ standpoint, the service is now safer, smoother and more accessible. While comfort levels rise, managing the transition without marginalising low-income travellers is critical. Industry experts suggest maintaining adequate general-seating options and transparent ticketing policies to balance modernisation with inclusivity. Overall, this shift to LHB coaches on the Bhubaneswar–Junagarh Road route encapsulates Indian Railways’ dual mandate: delivering modern, eco-efficient rail services while safeguarding equitable access to all demographic segments. It serves as a template for similar upgrades across the national network — combining safety, sustainability and inclusion in India’s evolving mobility landscape.
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