Thiruvananthapuram upgrades trains to modern LHB coaches

Several trains in the Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division are getting upgrades to modern LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches. This includes the Jan Shatabdi Express on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kozhikode route and the Sabari Express services between Thiruvananthapuram and Secunderabad. These new LHB coaches are designed for better safety and comfort. The upgrade is possible because railway tracks along the Thiruvananthapuram-Ernakulam route have been improved to allow speeds of up to 100 km/h. The Thiruvananthapuram-Kannur Jan Shatabdi Express has already switched to LHB coaches, which can reach speeds up to 160 km/h. Currently, many Jan Shatabdi trains use coaches that are over ten years old. To ensure passenger safety, these older coaches are being replaced before they wear out completely. Coaches typically last 25 years. Most express trains in the Thiruvananthapuram Division have already made the switch to LHB coaches. These stainless steel coaches offer wider seats and more legroom. Indian Railways first used LHB coaches in 2000, originally importing them from Germany. Now, they are made domestically at the Rail Coach Factory in Punjab.