LHB Sleeper Coach Interior | LHB Coach Sleeper Class Seat Layout
Linke Holfmann Busch (LHB) coaches are progressively being inducted in train services as per requirement including existing and certain important Rajdhani and Mail / Express trains. ICF design coaches and have better riding comfort, higher speed potential, longer life, upgraded amenities, provision of control discharge toilet system, lower maintenance requirement, enhanced safety features and aesthetic interiors.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Railways
06-December-2025
Induction of LHB Coaches on Railways
Linke Holfmann Busch (LHB) coaches are progressively being inducted in train services as per requirement including existing and certain important Rajdhani and Mail / Express trains. Since its introduction, LHB coaches have been inducted on about 14 Rajdhani, 12 Shatabdi and 11 AC Duronto services.
LHB coaches have a higher carrying capacity of about 10-12 per cent as compared to the corresponding ICF design coaches and have better riding comfort, higher speed potential, longer life, upgraded amenities, provision of control discharge toilet system, lower maintenance requirement, enhanced safety features and aesthetic interiors.
A rail coach factory at Palakkad has been sanctioned in Public Private Partnership mode for production of LHB coaches.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Here’s a look inside the LHB Sleeper Class (3-tier SL) coach interior. These images highlight the modern design and layout that mark a significant upgrade over older ICF coaches.
Contents
LHB Sleeper Coach Interior & Features
Coach Design & Passenger Comfort
- Spacious and Modular Interiors: Built with stainless steel and aluminum, LHB coaches are approximately 10–12% more spacious than traditional ICF rakes.
- Smart Modular Construction: Integrated ceiling lighting, expansive luggage racks, and air conditioning with humidity control make the coach both functional and modern.
- Enhanced Ride Quality: Features like superior suspension and aerodynamic design ensure smoother travel and reduced noise levels (~60 dB) compared to older models (~100 dB).
Safety, Efficiency & Convenience
- Anti-Telescopic Structure: Designed to prevent coaches from climbing over one another during collisions, significantly boosting passenger safety.
- Advanced Braking: Equipped with pneumatic disc brakes, Wheel Slide Protection (WSP), and tight-lock couplers for efficient braking at higher speeds.
- Controlled Discharge Toilets: Bio-toilet systems that empty only at speeds above 30 km/h, keeping stations clean.
- Sealed Windows & Gangways: Large double-glazed windows insulated with Krypton/Argon gas reduce noise and improve comfort. Vestibule gangways feature airtight doors for smoother inter-coach passage.
Seat Layout & Capacity Improvements
- Increased Seating Capacity: LHB Sleeper coaches typically accommodate around 80 berths, compared to 72 in ICF coaches.
- Berth Types & Layout: Each compartment follows the standard Indian layout:
- Main berths: Lower (LB), Middle (MB), Upper (UB)
- Side berths: Side Lower (SL), Side Upper (SU)
- The sequence is maintained similarly to ICF configurations despite increased capacity.
Summary Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Interior Design | Modular & stainless-steel/aluminum, improved aesthetics |
| Comfort Enhancements | Better suspension, quieter noise levels, humidity-controlled AC |
| Safety Features | Anti-telescopic build, disc brakes, WSP |
| Toilets | Controlled discharge bio-toilets |
| Sealed Windows & Doors | Insulated windows, vestibule gangways |
| Capacity | ~80 berths (vs 72 in ICF) |
| Berth Layout | LB, MB, UB + SL, SU in a compact arrangement |
| Maintenance | Lower maintenance due to modular construction |
LHB Sleeper coaches represent a major leap in modernizing Indian Railways—offering enhanced comfort, capacity, safety, and reliability. Let me know if you’d like a coach map with berth-numbering or comparison with AC versions!