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ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches in Indian Railways utilize older technology. These have been manufactured at a factory in Chennai since 1952. They are blue in color and, being constructed from steel, are heavy. They entail high maintenance costs and offer lower passenger capacity. In the event of an accident, these coaches tend to telescope—or climb—over one another.

ICF coaches provide only 72 berths in the Sleeper Class and 64 in the Third AC Class. They are 1.7 meters shorter than LHB coaches. Passenger amenities within them are limited, and their excessive weight also adversely affects the train's speed.

ICF coaches require a complete overhaul every 18 months. Their maintenance is expensive. Currently, 740 trains comprising ICF rakes are in operation, all of which the Railways intends to completely replace by 2029.

In the event of an accident, ICF coaches pose a greater risk due to the problem of "telescoping" (climbing over one another). As they are based on outdated technology, they are now being phased out gradually.

LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches are based on modern German technology. They were introduced in India in the year 2000 and are manufactured in Kapurthala, Punjab. They are red in color and are deployed in trains such as the Rajdhani Express.

LHB coaches are lightweight coaches constructed from stainless steel. They offer 80 berths in the Sleeper Class and 72 in the Third AC Class. They are capable of carrying a larger number of passengers than ICF coaches and can attain speeds of up to 200 km/h.

The Deoghar-Saharsa MEMU train is set to resume operations.
The maintenance of LHB coaches is more economical; they require a complete overhaul only once every 24 months. They boast a longer service life and lower operational costs.

In the event of an accident, LHB coaches do not telescope over one another. Their superior design ensures enhanced safety for passengers.

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