One of the oldest trains in India, the Flying Ranee Express, has received a massive transformation, with brand new Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches. The 117-year-old train, which operated between Mumbai and Surat, has lost its double-decker coaches after decades. Those coaches have been replaced by faster and safer LHB coaches.

With the brand new LHB rakes, the transformed Flying Ranee Express was flagged off from Mumbai on Sunday, July 16. The new version of the train comprises of 21 coaches in total. This includes AC chair car, second class seating coaches, ladies-only coach, ladies season ticket holders coach, and one general coach.

The Linke Hofmann Busch coaches are seen as a superior alternative to ICF coaches. Above all, LHB coaches are also designed to run at a higher speed (up to 180 km/h). Further, these coaches have greater longevity and better braking with wheel-side protection.

Having said that, with double-decker coaches removed, Flying Ranee Express has lost a bit of its historic charm. After all, it was the first train in India to be fitted with double-decker coaches, way back in 1979.