Indian Railways Ushers In A New Era Of Travel For Kerala With LHB Coaches, Revolutionizing Passenger Comfort, Safety, And Efficiency Starting February 2026

Published on December 9, 2025

In a landmark move set to redefine rail travel, Indian Railways is replacing the old coaches on key Kerala-bound trains with advanced LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) coaches starting February 2026. This upgrade is a direct response to growing passenger demand for safer, cleaner, and more comfortable travel options. The introduction of LHB coaches promises to enhance travel experiences with cutting-edge safety features, improved hygiene, and a smoother, quieter ride. This transition marks a significant leap forward in the modernization of India’s rail network, particularly on the popular routes connecting Kerala with major cities.

Indian Railways has given the green light to the long-standing demand from Keralites for modern, cleaner, and safer railway coaches. The Southern Railway has moved forward with plans to replace outdated coaches on popular trains connecting Kerala with other major cities. The new LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) coaches will be introduced, promising to enhance passenger comfort, safety, and overall experience. This upgrade is a significant step towards improving rail travel across the region. The replacement will begin in February 2026, and the new coaches will be rolled out across all major trains to Kerala, ensuring that passengers enjoy the latest in railway technology.

The Southern Railway has prioritized several key trains for this transition. Among the first to receive the LHB coaches will be the Mangaluru Central–Chennai Central West Coast (22638) train, which will operate with the new coaches starting on February 1, 2026. Following this, the Chennai–Mangaluru train (22637) will be upgraded with LHB coaches by February 4, 2026. The Mangaluru–Chennai Mail (12602) and Chennai–Mangaluru Mail (2601) will also join the list of trains to be fitted with the new coaches, with the upgrades scheduled for February 3 and 4, 2026, respectively.

This major transition will not stop at just a few trains. Additional routes such as Chennai–Alleppey (February 1), Alleppey–Chennai (February 2), Chennai–Thiruvananthapuram Superfast (12695 – February 3), and Thiruvananthapuram–Chennai Superfast (12696 – February 4) will also benefit from the new LHB coaches. By February 2026, these trains will provide passengers with a more modern, safer, and comfortable journey.

Along with the new LHB coaches, Indian Railways is also revising the coach composition on these popular routes. The Chennai–Mangaluru–Chennai Mail and Chennai–Mangaluru–Chennai West Coast trains will have one first AC coach, one second AC coach, five third AC coaches, nine sleeper coaches, and four general second-class coaches. This updated composition will cater to a variety of passenger preferences, ensuring that travelers have a range of options depending on their budget and comfort level.

Similarly, the Chennai–Alleppey–Chennai and Chennai–Thiruvananthapuram–Chennai trains will feature one first AC coach, one second AC coach, three third AC coaches, nine sleeper coaches, and four general second-class coaches. The introduction of these new coaches is expected to significantly improve the travel experience for passengers, with enhanced safety features, cleaner environments, and better amenities.

The LHB coaches, which are known for their modern design and enhanced safety features, are expected to make travel on these trains not only more comfortable but also more secure. These coaches are built to withstand higher speeds and offer better resistance to accidents, ensuring that the overall journey is safer. The use of stainless steel in the coach bodies ensures that they are more durable and resistant to corrosion, making them a long-term investment in the country’s railway infrastructure.

In addition to the safety improvements, the new LHB coaches will also come with better comfort features. They are designed to provide a smoother and quieter ride, reducing vibrations and noise that passengers often experience in older coaches. The improved seating arrangements will offer passengers more legroom and better ergonomics, ensuring a comfortable journey whether they are traveling short or long distances.

This move to replace the old coaches with LHB coaches is part of a broader initiative by Indian Railways to modernize its fleet and improve the overall passenger experience. The replacement of outdated coaches has been a long-standing demand from passengers, particularly in regions like Kerala, where the demand for modern amenities in trains has been increasing over the years. The decision to upgrade the coaches is also in line with Indian Railways’ commitment to improving the quality of rail travel in the country and providing passengers with a more comfortable and reliable mode of transportation.

Passengers traveling on these newly upgraded trains will also notice improvements in cleanliness and overall maintenance. The LHB coaches are easier to maintain and cleaner than older coaches, thanks to their design and materials used in construction. With modern facilities, better hygiene, and enhanced safety features, passengers will experience an elevated standard of rail travel.

Starting February 2026, Indian Railways will replace outdated coaches on key Kerala routes with modern LHB coaches, meeting growing passenger demand for safer, more comfortable, and efficient rail travel.

Overall, the introduction of LHB coaches to major trains to Kerala marks an important milestone for Indian Railways. It reflects the commitment to meeting the growing demands of passengers and improving the quality of rail travel across the country. With the phased introduction of these modern coaches starting in February 2026, passengers can look forward to a more comfortable, safer, and enjoyable journey on trains to Kerala.