The Indian Railways continues its drive towards modernisation and enhanced passenger experience, and the Central Railway zone has now announced a major upgrade. From January 2026 onwards, 16 train services under Central Railway will begin operating with modern LHB (Linke‐Hofmann‐Busch) coaches, replacing older ICF-type rakes. This move promises improved safety, higher speed potential, greater comfort and better amenities for rail travellers.
What Are LHB Coaches?
LHB coaches are state-of-the-art stainless-steel passenger railway coaches originally designed in Germany and now manufactured in India under transfer-of-technology arrangements. Compared to the older ICF coaches, LHB rakes offer multiple advantages:
Higher operational speeds (up to 160 km/h, design up to 200 km/h)
Improved braking systems (axle-mounted disc brakes)
Anti-telescopic and anti-climbing features (raised safety in collisions)
More space, better aesthetics, improved riding comfort
Modern amenities such as LED lighting, charging points and emergency open-able windows
The Upgrade Plan & Full Train List
Central Railway has issued a schedule for 16 train pairs (i.e., 16 trains) to receive the LHB coaches. Here is the full list and their effective dates:
| Train No. | Route | Effective From |
|---|---|---|
| 22157 | CSMT – Chennai Express | 14 Jan 2026 |
| 22158 | Chennai – CSMT Express | 17 Jan 2026 |
| 11088 | Pune – Veraval Express | 15 Jan 2026 |
| 11087 | Veraval – Pune Express | 17 Jan 2026 |
| 11090 | Pune – Bhagat ki Kothi Express | 18 Jan 2026 |
| 11089 | Bhagat ki Kothi – Pune Express | 20 Jan 2026 |
| 11092 | Pune – Bhuj Express | 19 Jan 2026 |
| 11091 | Bhuj – Pune Express | 21 Jan 2026 |
| 22186 | Pune – Ahmedabad Express | 21 Jan 2026 |
| 22185 | Ahmedabad – Pune Express | 22 Jan 2026 |
| 11404 | Kolhapur – Nagpur Express | 19 Jan 2026 |
| 11403 | Nagpur – Kolhapur Express | 20 Jan 2026 |
| 12147 | Kolhapur – Hazrat Nizamuddin Express | 20 Jan 2026 |
| 12148 | Hazrat Nizamuddin – Kolhapur Express | 22 Jan 2026 |
| 11050 | Kolhapur – Ahmedabad Express | 24 Jan 2026 |
| 11049 | Ahmedabad – Kolhapur Express | 25 Jan 2026 |
This transition will enhance not only comfort but also operational efficiency for long-distance travellers on these routes.
Why This Upgrade Matters
Safety Enhancement: LHB coaches reduce risk of derailment, telescoping and provide better crash protection.
Better Ride Quality: With improved bogies and suspension, passengers will feel less jerks, more stability.
Speed & Efficiency: These coaches support higher speeds and better scheduling flexibility.
Modern Amenities: More charging points, cleaner interiors, improved lighting, and better evacuation features.
Long-Term Durability: Longer maintenance cycles and lower maintenance cost relative to older coach types.
What Passengers Should Note
Ticket bookings for the listed trains from the effective dates will show LHB coach composition; seat/berth location may shift slightly from current layout.
Seats, berths, and general accommodation may feel more spacious, especially in sleeper and 3-tier categories.
The new coach types may attract higher expectations in demand; travellers are advised to book early.
Existing luggage limits remain same, but storage space may feel better managed.
Rail travellers should still check train status, coach composition updates and platform information prior to travel.
📌 Final Take-away
The rollout of LHB coaches across these 16 trains by Central Railway is part of a wider national strategy to phase out older coach types, enhance passenger experience and elevate safety standards. For regular rail travellers on the listed routes, this means a tangible improvement in journey comfort and confidence.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the difference between ICF and LHB coaches?
LHB coaches are newer, designed for higher speeds, better safety features and improved comfort compared to the older ICF design.
Q2. When will the upgrade take effect for all listed trains?
The listed trains will begin operating with LHB coaches from January 2026, according to the schedule issued.
Q3. Will ticket prices change because of the coach upgrade?
Basic fare structure remains unchanged, though demand and quicker travel may influence availability and waiting lists.
Q4. Does the upgrade affect travelling time?
Possibly — improved coach performance and stability may allow smoother operations, but timetable changes depend on multiple factors.
Q5. Are all trains in the Central Railway zone being upgraded to LHB?
Not yet; this list of 16 is part of a phased plan. Over time, more trains will be converted as capacity allows.
Published on : 17th November
Published by : SMITA
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SOURCE CREDIT :Written by Anish Mondal — Indian Express