Railway Coaches Types
Railway Coaches Types
Overview
Indian Railways classifies its passenger coaches (also called “rolling stock”) into 18 distinct “Coach Types” whose first-letter codes decide the ticket fare, priority of marshalling in a train, maximum permissible speed and the type of accommodation provided. Every coach carries a 5-digit “ICF / LHB” classification number painted on its ends and a 21-digit RFID tag for asset tracking. Since 2018, only LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) stainless-steel coaches are produced; the older ICF (Integral Coach Factory) design is being steadily withdrawn.
Key Facts & Figures
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total authorised coach holding (2024) | ≈ 74,000 coaches |
| Production units | ICF-Chennai, RCF-Kapurthala, BEML-Bengaluru, Rail Coach Navegant-Raebareli |
| LHB design speed | 160 km/h (certified for 200 km/h) |
| ICF design speed | 110 km/h |
| Standard LHB coach length | 23.54 m |
| Standard LHB coach tare weight | 39–44 t (AC) / 35–38 t (non-AC) |
| Coupler used in LHB | Centre-buffer-coupler (AAR H-type) |
| Brake system on LHB | Dual-block disc brake + electro-pneumatic |
| Coach coding letter “E” | Stands for “Extra fare” (Chair car) |
| Coach coding letter “S” | Second class (non-AC) ordinary |
| Highest priority code | “H” – High capacity (Vistadome) |
| Lowest priority code | “D” – Driving trailer |
| Rajdhani rakes have | Only AC coaches (A1, A2…, B1, B2…, H1) |
| Garib Rath rakes have | Only AC 3-tier Economy (M) coaches |
| Antyodaya rakes have | Only UR (second class) unreserved coaches |
| Vande Bharat trains have | Only “C” (Chair car) & “E” (Executive) self-propelled units—technically coaches |
| Deen Dayalu coaches are upgraded | UR coaches with bio-toilets & cushioned seats |
| First all-women crewed LHB coach | Flagged off in 2021 (WR) |
Important Points
- Code letter is painted in 300 mm high Helvetica font on both sides of every coach.
- First two digits of 5-digit coach number indicate year of manufacture; last three are serial.
- “B” = AC 3-tier, “A” = AC 2-tier, “H” = AC 1st class, “M” = AC 3-tier Economy.
- “S” coaches have 72 seats (ICF) or 78 seats (LHB); “J” = Jan-Shatabdi non–AC chair car.
- “EOG” (End-on-Generation) power car is technically a coach but is not passenger-carrying.
- LHB coaches are anti-telescopic, thus mandatory for trains running ≥130 km/h.
- Colour band on coach ends: Blue = ICF, Silver = LHB.
- Pantry car is coded “PC”; its maximum speed is restricted to 130 km/h.
- Vistadome coaches (code “V”) have 180° rotatable cushioned seats & 40 % extra fare.
- Every coach has an “RDSO class-index” plate showing axle load, brake type & gauge.
- Bio-toilets (40 L retention tank) are now 100 % fitted in both ICF & LHB designs.
- LED lighting & fire-smoke detection systems are standard fitment in LHB since 2016.
- “Self-generating” coaches have 4.5 kW underslung alternators; “End-on” coaches draw 750 V from power car.
Frequently Asked in Exams
- Difference between ICF & LHB coaches (speed, material, coupler, safety).
- Full-form and salient features of “Deen Dayalu” & “Vistadome” coaches.
- Coach numbering system – how to read 5-digit & 21-digit UID.
- Which trains use only AC coaches and which use only non-AC.
- Production centres of LHB coaches and their annual installed capacity.
BETA
