Five pairs already upgraded; services linking Assam, Tripura and Arunachal to get safer, modern rakes by January 2026
Maligaon (Guwahati), Nov 22 : Indian Railways will convert 10 pairs of trains under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) from conventional ICF coaches to modern LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) rakes during the 2025-26 financial year as part of its ongoing modernization drive to improve safety and passenger comfort.
According to NFR, the move is aimed at enhancing passenger safety, riding comfort and operational efficiency, as LHB rakes offer superior safety features, higher speed potential, reduced maintenance requirements and an overall improved travel experience for passengers.
“This systematic transition marks another step towards achieving a fully LHB-based fleet across NFR, ensuring safer, modern and reliable rail services for passengers in the region,” NFR said in an official statement.
Of the 10 train pairs identified for conversion, five were already upgraded between June and August 2025.
These include train no. 15715/15716 (Kishanganj–Ajmer–Kishanganj), 15722/15721 (New Jalpaiguri–Digha–New Jalpaiguri), 13159/13160 (Kolkata Terminal–Jogbani–Kolkata Terminal), 13212/13211 (Danapur–Jogbani–Danapur) and 13214/13213 (Saharsa Jn.–Jogbani–Saharsa Jn.).
Three more train pairs – train no. 15911/15912 (Tinsukia Junction–Naharlagun–Tinsukia Junction), 13173/13174 (Sealdah–Sabroom–Sealdah) and 13175/13176 (Sealdah–Silchar–Sealdah) – are on track for LHB upgradation and are scheduled to be converted by the end of November 2025.
The remaining two – train no. 55675/55676 (Agartala–Dharmanagar–Agartala) and 15664/15663 (Silchar–Agartala–Silchar) – are planned for conversion in January 2026, completing the 10-pair target for the financial year.
NFR has further plans to expand LHB deployment in the coming years, with more train conversions under evaluation based on operational feasibility, passenger demand and availability of rolling stock.
“More train conversions are being evaluated based on operational feasibility, demand and availability of rolling stock,” the zone stated, indicating that the transition to LHB coaches will continue in a phased manner.
