THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Railways has begun replacing the older ICF coaches with modern LHB coaches in various services, incorporating German technology for enhanced safety. These new coaches come equipped with mobile charging points, modern washrooms and pushback seats in AC coaches. The Thiruvananthapuram-Kozhikode Jan Shatabdi is set to be upgraded soon. However, passengers on the Kannur Jan Shatabdi have expressed concerns about reduced travel comfort following similar changes.

The upgraded Kannur Jan Shatabdi now features 16 non-AC chair cars and three AC chair cars. The older configuration could accommodate 1,856 passengers, with 106 seats in each non-AC chair car and an additional 160 passengers in two SLR coaches. The new LHB rake, while more advanced, provides 1,663 seats, 193 fewer than before. Non-AC chair cars now seat 102 passengers each and the SLR coaches have a capacity of 31 passengers. On the positive side, the seating capacity in AC chair cars has slightly increased, from 219 to 234 seats.

Passenger complaints

1. While the new coaches are quieter and visually more appealing, many find the seats less comfortable than those in the old coaches, even comparing them unfavorably to the general compartments of mail express trains.

2. The seating arrangement, now face-to-face like in MEMU trains, lacks many of the features available in the older Jan Shatabdi coaches.

3. Previously, seats were separated, allowing for more personal space but the new setup uses three-seater benches with no hand or footrests. Passengers also find the seats narrower.

4. The old coaches had foldable tables for dining and other activities, a feature that is missing in the new coaches.

In response, railway officials clarified that no facilities have been reduced. The modernization is part of a nationwide initiative to standardize the facilities across both AC and non-AC coaches, ensuring uniformity in passenger comfort and safety.