Southern Railway has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at improving passenger safety and comfort, including the introduction of modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches and the standardization of trains with four General Second Class coaches. This move is part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to meet the increasing demand for safer and more comfortable travel options while addressing long waiting lists for passengers.
By the end of November 2024, Indian Railways plans to add 1,000 new general coaches to 370 trains, benefiting over one lakh passengers daily. Southern Railway has played a pivotal role in this effort, standardizing 24 train pairs with LHB rakes that feature four General Class coaches each. This initiative will increase seating capacity by 7,900 passengers. Additionally, 79 General Second Class coaches have been added to enhance safety and comfort.
Notable trains now equipped with LHB coaches and standardized with four General Second Class coaches include:
- Train No. 12621/12622: Dr MGR Chennai Central – New Delhi – Dr MGR Chennai Central Express
- Train No. 12685/12686: Dr MGR Chennai Central – Mangaluru – Dr MGR Chennai Express
- Train No. 20601/20602: Dr MGR Chennai Central – Bodinayakkanur – Dr MGR Chennai Express
- Train No. 12693/12694: Tuticorin – Chennai Egmore – Tuticorin Express
- Train No. 12665/12666: Kanniyakumari – Howrah – Kanniyakumari Express
- Train No. 16338/16337: Ernakulam – Okha – Ernakulam Express
- Train No. 12617/12618: Ernakulam – Hazrat Nizamuddin – Ernakulam Mangala Lakshadweep Express
- Train No. 22648/22647: Kochuveli – Korba – Kochuveli Express
Southern Railway is also set to further expand these initiatives with 27 more train pairs scheduled to be standardized with 56 additional LHB coaches by December 2024, offering an extra 5,600 seating capacity for passengers.
Indian Railways is not stopping there. The national transporter has already deployed 583 new general coaches across the country and aims to introduce 10,000 non-AC coaches over the next two years. This expansion is expected to accommodate more than eight lakh additional passengers daily, alleviating overcrowding and making train travel a more comfortable experience for millions.
These efforts are being supported by manufacturing units like the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai and the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, which are working diligently to meet the increased demand. By focusing on the production and distribution of LHB coaches, which ensure enhanced safety features and smoother rides, Indian Railways is committed to offering safer, more efficient journeys for its passengers.