Bhubaneswar: Days after a TOI Citizen Reporter raised the plight of passengers travelling in run-down coaches of Puri-Bangiriposi-Puri Superfast Express, the railways on Monday flagged off the modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches from Bangiriposi station in Mayurbhanj district, an upgrade from conventional ICF coaches.
Retired banker Santosh Kumar Pradhan had posted about the dire need for LHB coaches for the popular train connecting Mayurbhanj district with Puri and Bhubaneswar. Pradhan’s post was published on April 3.
An official statement from East Coast Railway (ECoR) said the LHB coaches will offer improved safety and comfort to passengers. Regular service with LHB coaches will commence from Puri with effect from Tuesday and from Bangiriposi with effect from Wednesday.
The train has an AC chair car, six second-class reserved seating coaches, five general second-class coaches, a guard-cum-power car, and a second-class coach for physically challenged passengers in the upgraded train composition.
The inaugural event was graced by several dignitaries, including Mayurbhanj MP Naba Charan Majhi, Rajya Sabha member Mamata Mohanta and MLAs Sanjali Murmu and Bhadav Hansdah.
“The introduction of LHB coaches marks a significant upgrade in passenger amenities and operational efficiency for this important route, connecting coastal and tribal regions of Odisha through the state capital in Bhubaneswar,” read an ECoR statement.
The citizen reporter stated that conventional coaches were in a dilapidated condition. “It is one of the very few superfast express trains that has an ICF rake. These coaches should be replaced with modern LHB coaches,” read Pradhan’s post.
He also requested the railways to take necessary steps to run another express train to connect the district with the state capital. “The existing Bangiriposi-Puri express train should maintain punctuality because it is a lifeline for Mayurbhanj people,” said Pradhan, a native of Mayurbhanj district.
The ECoR considered Pradhan’s request. In a statement, the railway zone stated that ECoR is committed to enhancing safety and passenger comfort by converting ICF rakes with LHB.