Prayagraj: Passengers travelling between Prayagraj and Lucknow are set to get a smoother and safer travel experience in the coming months, as the railways have decided to equip the Ganga Gomti Express with modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches in the coming days.At present, the train operates with conventional Integral Coach Factory (ICF) coaches. Sources inform that the switch to LHB coaches would significantly improve passenger comfort and safety.The Ganga Gomti Express runs daily between Prayagraj Sangam railway station and Lucknow and is one of the most widely used trains on the route. Unlike ICF coaches, LHB coaches are lighter, more stable at higher speeds and designed to minimise jerks during travel. They are also equipped with an anti-climbing mechanism that prevents coaches from piling over one another in the event of an accident.Importantly, as part of the upgrade, the number of air-conditioned chair car coaches in the train will be increased from one to two.Railway sources added that the Lucknow Intercity Express is also likely to be upgraded with LHB coaches in the near future. Meanwhile, the railways have also launched a new digital identification system for employees across the country, including those working under North Central Railway.Under the new arrangement, employees will be issued identity cards embedded with QR codes, replacing the existing paper-based system. The initiative, introduced on the directions of the Railway Board, has been integrated with the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) database and is being managed by Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES).Officials said all regular employees, officers and contractual workers would have to apply online using their HRMS identification numbers. During inspections, authorised personnel will be able to instantly verify an employee’s identity, designation and department by scanning the QR code. The move is expected to improve transparency, strengthen security and simplify administrative procedures across the railway network.
