In a significant move to enhance passenger safety and travel experience, Central Railway has announced the permanent replacement of conventional coaches with modern LHB coaches across 16 important trains. The phased implementation will begin in January 2026, marking a major upgrade for thousands of daily commuters and long-distance travelers.
What Makes LHB Coaches Superior?
The Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches represent a substantial improvement over the older Integral Coach Factory (ICF) models. Designed in Germany and manufactured in India, these stainless steel coaches incorporate advanced safety technologies that significantly reduce accident risks.
Among the notable safety enhancements are anti-climbing devices that prevent coaches from piling up during collisions and fire-retardant materials that minimize fire hazards. The coaches also feature four emergency openable windows for quicker evacuation and an Emergency Light Unit with a reliable 6-hour backup power system.
Enhanced Passenger Comfort and Features
Beyond safety improvements, LHB coaches offer substantially better passenger amenities. The longer car body provides more spacious interiors, while modern lighting and charging solutions meet contemporary travel needs.
Passengers will appreciate the LED lighting system and convenient 5-pin charging sockets available throughout the coaches. The disc braking system ensures smoother and more efficient braking, contributing to overall journey comfort.
Performance-wise, LHB coaches represent a significant upgrade with an operating speed of 160 kmph and a design capacity of up to 200 kmph, compared to the older ICF coaches' 140 kmph limit.
Complete List of Upgraded Trains and Implementation Schedule
The Central Railway has released a detailed schedule for the coach replacements, affecting key routes connecting major cities across India. The upgrades will be implemented permanently for better long-term service quality.
The comprehensive list includes:
• 22157 CSMT – Chennai Express (effective January 14, 2026)
• 22158 Chennai – CSMT Express (effective January 17, 2026)
• 11088 Pune – Veraval Express (effective January 15, 2026)
• 11087 Veraval – Pune Express (effective January 17, 2026)
• 11090 Pune – Bhagat ki Kothi Express (effective January 18, 2026)
• 11089 Bhagat ki Kothi – Pune Express (effective January 20, 2026)
• 11092 Pune – Bhuj Express (effective January 19, 2026)
• 11091 Bhuj – Pune Express (effective January 21, 2026)
• 22186 Pune – Ahmedabad Express (effective January 21, 2026)
• 22185 Ahmedabad – Pune Express (effective January 22, 2026)
• 11404 Kolhapur – Nagpur Express (effective January 19, 2026)
• 11403 Nagpur – Kolhapur Express (effective January 20, 2026)
• 12147 Kolhapur – Hazrat Nizamuddin Express (effective January 20, 2026)
• 12148 Hazrat Nizamuddin – Kolhapur Express (effective January 22, 2026)
• 11050 Kolhapur – Ahmedabad Express (effective January 24, 2026)
• 11049 Ahmedabad – Kolhapur Express (effective January 25, 2026)
This systematic replacement strategy demonstrates Indian Railways' commitment to phasing out older ICF coaches gradually while maintaining service continuity. The selected trains serve crucial routes connecting economic centers, pilgrimage destinations, and regional hubs across Western and Central India.
The modernization initiative aligns with broader efforts to transform India's railway infrastructure into a world-class transportation system. Passengers traveling on these routes can look forward to safer, more comfortable journeys with modern amenities that meet international standards.
