Indian Railways has manufactured more than 31000 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches in the span of the last nine years. The introduction of LHB rake is a part of its modernisation endeavour. The national transporter is replacing conventional ICF coaches with the LHB coach in a phased manner which is subject to operational feasibility and availability of coaches.

How do LHB coaches differ from conventional ICF coaches?

The national transporter has stopped the manufacturing of ICF coaches from FY 2018-19 onwards. The LHB coaches are technologically superior with features like Anti climbing arrangement, Air suspension (Secondary) with failure indication system and less corrosive shell. These coaches have better riding and aesthetics as compared to the conventional Integral Coach Factory (ICF) coaches. It offers safer and more comfortable journeys to the travelling passengers. 

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Number of coaches manufactured since FY 2018-19:- 

In the last fiscal, the national transporter has manufactured 4,175 LHB coaches (till January 31, 2023). Of these, 1221 coaches have been produced at Rail Coach Factory (RCF), 1891 at ICF and 1063 at Modern Coach Factory (MCF).  LHB Coach Production increased by 45 percent in the previous financial year. In FY 2018-19, it manufactured 4429 coaches, 6277 coaches in FY 2019-20, 4323 coaches in FY 2020-21, and 6291 coaches in FY 2021-22.

Beginning of LHB coach in India:- 

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In October 1995, the national transporter inked an agreement with M/s Linke—Hoffman—Busch (LHB) Germany (now M/s Alstom-LHB), to facilitate the transfer of technology (TOT) for the production of lightweight, high-speed coaches capable of running at 160 kmph on the Indian Railway system. 

Trains converted to LHB rake:- 

Recently, the national transporter has converted several trains from conventional ICF rake to LHB rake. Some of these are: 22177/22178 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus – Varanasi Mahanagari Superfast Express, 17057/17058 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus – Secunderabad Devagiri Express, 16536/16535 Solapur- Mysuru Express and more.