Central Railway Introduces Advanced LHB Coaches on 16 Key Trains
Mumbai – In a major boost for rail travel, Central Railway (CR) is set to revolutionize passenger experience by upgrading 16 long-distance trains with modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches. This move marks a significant shift from the decades-old Integral Coach Factory (ICF) design, promising improved safety, comfort, and efficiency.
The transition aligns with Indian Railways‘ mission to phase out older ICF coaches entirely and adopt the superior LHB technology. Passengers on these routes can soon expect a smoother, safer, and more comfortable journey.
Why LHB Coaches Are a Game-Changer
LHB coaches, originally designed in Germany and now manufactured in India, offer several advantages over traditional ICF coaches:
- Enhanced Safety: Built with stainless steel and an anti-telescopic design, LHB coaches minimize collision risks by preventing coaches from piling up during accidents.
- Smoother Rides: Advanced suspension (Fiat bogies) ensures reduced jerks and noise, even at higher speeds.
- Higher Speed Potential: Designed for speeds up to 160 km/h, these coaches could reduce travel times on upgraded routes in the future.
- Modern Amenities: Bio-toilets (CDTS) improve hygiene, while spacious interiors and efficient air conditioning enhance comfort.
Full List of 16 Upgraded Trains
Passengers on these routes can soon enjoy a premium travel experience:
- 12123/12124 – Deccan Queen (Mumbai CSMT – Pune)
- 11007/11008 – Deccan Express (Mumbai CSMT – Pune)
- 12127/12128 – Intercity Express (Mumbai CSMT – Pune)
- 12109/12110 – Panchavati Express (Mumbai CSMT – Manmad)
- 12139/12140 – Sewagram Express (Mumbai CSMT – Nagpur)
- 11401/11402 – Nandigram Express (Mumbai CSMT – Adilabad)
- 12115/12116 – Siddheshwar Express (Mumbai CSMT – Solapur)
- 22107/22108 – Latur Express (Mumbai CSMT – Latur)
- 11029/11030 – Koyna Express (Mumbai CSMT – Kolhapur)
- 17057/17058 – Devagiri Express (Mumbai CSMT – Secunderabad)
- 11301/11302 – Udyan Express (Mumbai CSMT – KSR Bengaluru)
- 12137/12138 – Punjab Mail (Mumbai CSMT – Firozpur Cantt)
- 22159/22160 – Chennai Express (Mumbai CSMT – Chennai Egmore)
- 11019/11020 – Konark Express (Mumbai CSMT – Bhubaneswar)
- 12163/12164 – Dadar–Chennai Superfast Express
- 22177/22178 – Mahanagari Express (Mumbai CSMT – Varanasi)
What Passengers Can Expect
This upgrade underscores Indian Railways‘ commitment to modernizing infrastructure and prioritizing passenger safety and comfort. While rollout dates will be announced in phases, travelers on these routes—connecting Mumbai to Pune, Nagpur, Chennai, Bengaluru, and beyond—can anticipate a noticeably improved journey.
