Indian Railways to Upgrade 16 Trains to 200 Kmph-Capable LHB Coaches Under Major Modernisation Push
Indian Railways is accelerating its modernisation drive with a significant upgrade plan that will see 16 more trains equipped with high-speed LHB coaches, capable of touching 200 kmph. The move marks another leap under the nationwide ICF to LHB conversion programme, aimed at safer, faster, and more comfortable travel across India.
The upgrade is part of the Railways’ long-term Railway Mission 2030, which focuses on phasing out older ICF coaches — traditionally restricted to speeds of 110–140 kmph — and replacing them with advanced LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches that offer better stability, safety, and ride quality.
🔥 Why LHB Coaches Matter
LHB coaches, originally designed in Germany and now built in India, come with:
- Top speed of 200 kmph, operating comfortably at 160 kmph
- Superior safety, including anti-climbing features to prevent coach overriding in accidents
- Fire-retardant materials for enhanced passenger protection
- Reduced maintenance and better durability
- Improved comfort, making long-distance travel smoother
These updates align with the Indian Railways’ large-scale push towards high-speed and semi-high-speed corridors.
🚆 16 Trains Scheduled for LHB Upgrade
Central Railway has officially announced that the following trains will transition from ICF to LHB rakes starting January 2026:
| Train No. | Route | Effective From |
|---|---|---|
| 22157 | CSMT – Chennai Express | 14.01.2026 |
| 22158 | Chennai – CSMT Express | 17.01.2026 |
| 11088 | Pune – Veraval Express | 15.01.2026 |
| 11087 | Veraval – Pune Express | 17.01.2026 |
| 11090 | Pune – Bhagat Ki Kothi Express | 18.01.2026 |
| 11089 | Bhagat Ki Kothi – Pune Express | 20.01.2026 |
| 11092 | Pune – Bhuj Express | 19.01.2026 |
| 11091 | Bhuj – Pune Express | 21.01.2026 |
| 22186 | Pune – Ahmedabad Express | 21.01.2026 |
| 22185 | Ahmedabad – Pune Express | 22.01.2026 |
| 11404 | Kolhapur – Nagpur Express | 19.01.2026 |
| 11403 | Nagpur – Kolhapur Express | 20.01.2026 |
| 12147 | Kolhapur – Hazrat Nizamuddin Express | 20.01.2026 |
| 12148 | Hazrat Nizamuddin – Kolhapur Express | 22.01.2026 |
| 11050 | Kolhapur – Ahmedabad Express | 24.01.2026 |
| 11049 | Ahmedabad – Kolhapur Express | 25.01.2026 |
This upgrade will significantly boost travel efficiency and comfort across major routes linking Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
🚄 Railway Mission 2030: Building a High-Speed Future
Under Railway Mission 2030, Indian Railways aims to:
- Eliminate all ICF coaches by 2030
- Expand semi-high-speed and high-speed corridors
- Improve passenger experience through modernised tracks, signalling, and rolling stock
- Bring India closer to global rail standards
With more LHB coaches being deployed, passengers can expect faster travel, better safety, and world-class comfort in the coming years.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
