Guwahati, Aug 22 (IANS) The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has completed the conversion of all long‑distance passenger trains operating across its zone from conventional Integral Coach Factory (ICF) coaches to modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, officials said on Saturday.

According to NFR officials, the conversion marks a significant step towards enhancing passenger safety, comfort and operational efficiency across the zone.

NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said the zone remains committed to ensuring enhanced safety, comfort and convenience for passengers throughout their journey. In line with Indian Railways’ modernisation initiatives, NFR has completed converting all long‑distance passenger trains from ICF to LHB coaches.

Sharma said that with the conversion, a total of 103 long‑distance passenger train services comprising 55 services belonging to NFR and 48 services of other railway zones are now operating with LHB coaches. This makes the NFR zone fully LHB‑compliant for its long‑distance train services.

The transition to LHB coaches marks a milestone in enhancing passenger safety, improving travel comfort and strengthening operational efficiency, in line with Indian Railways’ commitment to providing safer and more modern rail services.

Officials said these advanced LHB coaches are equipped with safety features such as Fire and Smoke Detection System (FSDS), Fire Detection and Suppression System (FDSS) and Aerosol‑based Fire Detection Systems. A total of 1,226 LHB AC coaches have been fitted with FSDS, while 155 power cars and 79 pantry cars are equipped with FDSS. Additionally, 3,436 AC coaches have been provided with Aerosol‑based Fire Detection Systems.

These systems continuously monitor critical areas within train coaches to identify potential fire incidents and promptly raise alarms for timely intervention. Early and accurate detection helps prevent panic and injuries, minimises loss of life and property, and reduces disruptions to train services.

To further strengthen fire safety, all power cars, pantry cars and AC coaches are being equipped with fire protection systems in a phased manner. Improving rail safety is an ongoing process, with regular safety drives, periodic audits and inspections carried out to identify vulnerabilities in asset maintenance, safety procedures and systemic gaps.

The NFR, headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati, operates across the Northeastern states as well as in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar.

–IANS

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