Southern Railway has rolled out a significant initiative to standardize 24 train pairs with modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, alongside the addition of four General Second Class coaches to each train. This move is part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to modernise its fleet and address the ever-growing demand for safe and comfortable travel, as well as to reduce overcrowding on trains.
The introduction of these LHB coaches, known for their superior safety features and smoother ride quality, aims to provide a more secure and comfortable experience for millions of passengers. By the end of November 2024, Indian Railways plans to introduce 1,000 new general coaches across 370 trains, benefiting more than 1 lakh passengers daily. Southern Railway’s contribution includes standardizing 24 train pairs with LHB rakes, which will collectively add 7,900 new seating spaces for passengers. This upgrade includes the addition of 79 General Second Class coaches, which are designed to provide additional seating and alleviate overcrowding in key trains. Not only does this improve passenger convenience, but it also boosts safety, as LHB coaches are known for their advanced safety features compared to traditional coaches. Southern Railway is also set to expand this initiative further with the introduction of 27 more train pairs, which will be standardized with 56 additional LHB coaches by December 2024, offering an extra 5,600 seats.
The overall effort to modernise India’s rail fleet is being supported by major manufacturing units like the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai and the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala. These facilities are working tirelessly to meet the increasing demand for high-quality coaches, ensuring that Indian Railways can cater to the growing number of passengers. In addition to the upgrades in Southern Railway, Indian Railways has already deployed 583 new general coaches nationwide and plans to introduce 10,000 non-AC coaches over the next two years. This expansion is expected to accommodate more than 8 lakh additional passengers daily, alleviating pressure on crowded trains and making rail travel a more comfortable experience for millions across the country.
