Southern Railway is upgrading the Sethu and Chendur Superfast Express trains with LHB coaches to enhance passenger safety and ride quality starting October 2026.
- Sethu and Chendur Superfast Express to be upgraded with LHB coaches.
- Implementation begins between October 19 and October 22, 2026.
- New coach composition includes AC First Class, 2-Tier, 3-Tier, and Sleeper classes.
In a strategic move to modernize its fleet and prioritize passenger welfare, Southern Railway has announced the introduction of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches for two of its prominent express services. The upgrade will target the Sethu Superfast Express and the Chendur Superfast Express, ensuring a safer and more comfortable transit for thousands of commuters traveling across Tamil Nadu.
According to the official statement, Train No. 22661/22662 (Chennai Egmore – Rameswaram – Chennai Egmore) Sethu Superfast Express will commence operations with LHB coaches from Rameswaram on October 19 and from Chennai Egmore on October 22. Similarly, Train No. 20605/20606 (Chennai Egmore – Tiruchendur – Chennai Egmore) Chendur Superfast Express will transition to LHB coaches from Chennai Egmore on October 20 and from Tiruchendur on October 21.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the shift from conventional ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches to LHB technology is a critical component of the Indian Railways' safety overhaul. LHB coaches are designed with an 'anti-telescopic' feature, which prevents coaches from piling up or climbing over one another during high-impact collisions. Furthermore, they offer superior ride quality due to advanced suspension systems and reduced noise pollution inside the cabins.
The transition to LHB coaches represents a shift toward global safety standards, significantly reducing the risk of casualties during derailments.
The revised coach composition for both services will be standardized to include one AC first class coach, two AC 2-tier coaches, three AC 3-tier coaches, nine sleeper class coaches, four general second class coaches, one coach dedicated to differently-abled passengers, and one luggage-cum-brake van.
| Feature | Old ICF Coaches | New LHB Coaches |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | Low (Telescoping risk) | High (Anti-telescopic) |
| Speed Capacity | Limited | High (Up to 160 kmph) |
| Comfort | Average | Superior suspension & lower noise |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the primary benefits of LHB coaches over ICF coaches?
A: LHB coaches offer enhanced safety through anti-telescopic design, higher speed capabilities, and a smoother, quieter ride for passengers.
Q2: When will the change take effect for the Sethu Superfast Express?
A: It starts from Rameswaram on October 19 and from Chennai Egmore on October 22.
