Bengaluru: Gone are the days of the old iconic beige and brown-coloured coaches linked to some of the city’s short-distance trains. South Western Railway (SWR) has converted five short-distance trains to modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) rakes, which already hit the tracks this week.Three Mysuru-bound trains, one to Dharwad and intercity express to Talguppa, the nearest railway station to Jog Falls, have got new coaches for a more comfortable journey.LHB coaches are modern, stainless steel passenger coaches used by Indian Railways. The air-conditioned version of these coaches was initially imported from Germany for Shatabdi Express trains, following which they were manufactured in India.Designed for speeds up to 160–180 kmph, enhanced safety and passenger comfort, these coaches have improved accessories like charging points, tray tables and modular cabin switches.The air-conditioned LHB coaches have modular window blinds along with sliding window shutters instead of the old clip-based window shutters. However, modernisation has reduced the total number of coaches from 21 to 19. The current arrangement features 11 general coaches, 5 reserved second-sitting coaches and an A/C chair car. Passengers have, however, expressed concerns about the design of second-sitting coaches, which feature chairs with limited incline.New Memu to ArsikereUnion minister of state for railways V Somanna said a new Memu train between Bengaluru and Arsikere via Tumakuru has been approved. “This train will benefit students, daily-wage workers, employees, farmers and traders. The service will improve connectivity, support the local economy and daily commuters,” he said.
