16 Indian Railways Trains Set to Touch 200 Kmph Under New High-Speed Upgrade Plan
Indian Railways has been undergoing a massive transformation in recent years, and the latest Indian Railways news highlights just how serious the upgrade push has become. With investments worth lakhs of crores, the Railways is modernising everything—from locomotives and coaches to tracks and signalling systems. A big part of this Indian Railways modernisation effort is improving the average speed of trains and ensuring safer, more comfortable travel. This is why the older ICF coaches are gradually being replaced with the more advanced LHB coaches under the ongoing ICF to LHB conversion plan.
A major advantage is speed. While traditional ICF coaches can run only up to 140 kmph, LHB coaches are capable of touching 200 kmph and comfortably operating at 160 kmph. For passengers, this means quicker journeys and a more stable, safer ride—strengthening the objectives of Railway Mission 2030 focused on speed and comfort enhancement.
LHB coaches, designed originally in Germany and manufactured in India, are built using stainless steel and advanced safety mechanisms. Their popularity on long-distance routes continues to grow, thanks to their superior ride quality, higher speed capability and enhanced safety—major pillars of the ongoing Indian Railways modernisation drive.
Train No. Route Effective From
These upgrades are expected to significantly enhance travel quality, aligning with the broader goals of Indian Railways modernisation.
Speed is another major reason behind the ICF to LHB conversion. LHB coaches are designed for a top speed of 200 kmph, while ICF coaches max out at 140 kmph. Their smoother ride, reduced maintenance needs and ability to support future high-speed corridors make them a crucial part of the long-term Indian Railways modernisation plan.
In the years ahead, passengers can expect even more upgrades as Indian Railways modernisation continues full-steam, bringing India closer to global standards in travel infrastructure. These decisions not only improve everyday travel but also pave the way for high-speed and semi-high-speed trains under Railway Mission 2030, transforming the future of rail transport in India.
A major advantage is speed. While traditional ICF coaches can run only up to 140 kmph, LHB coaches are capable of touching 200 kmph and comfortably operating at 160 kmph. For passengers, this means quicker journeys and a more stable, safer ride—strengthening the objectives of Railway Mission 2030 focused on speed and comfort enhancement.
16 Trains Set for a Major Upgrade
In an important update under Indian Railways news, Central Railway has announced that 16 trains will soon undergo the much-anticipated LHB coach upgrade . These trains, currently running with older ICF rakes, will be equipped with modern LHB coaches designed to improve safety, comfort and overall travel quality. This is another significant step forward in the nationwide ICF to LHB conversion programme.You may also like
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LHB coaches, designed originally in Germany and manufactured in India, are built using stainless steel and advanced safety mechanisms. Their popularity on long-distance routes continues to grow, thanks to their superior ride quality, higher speed capability and enhanced safety—major pillars of the ongoing Indian Railways modernisation drive.
Trains Receiving LHB Coaches
Below are the trains set to receive LHB coaches along with their effective dates, as part of the latest Indian Railways news:Train No. Route Effective From
| 22157 | CSMT – Chennai Express | 14.01.2026 |
| 22158 | Chennai – CSMT Express | 17.01.2026 |
| 11088 | Pune – Veraval Express | 15.01.2026 |
| 11087 | Veraval – Pune Express | 17.01.2026 |
| 11090 | Pune – Bhagat Ki Kothi Express | 18.01.2026 |
| 11089 | Bhagat Ki Kothi – Pune Express | 20.01.2026 |
| 11092 | Pune – Bhuj Express | 19.01.2026 |
| 11091 | Bhuj – Pune Express | 21.01.2026 |
| 22186 | Pune – Ahmedabad Express | 21.01.2026 |
| 22185 | Ahmedabad – Pune Express | 22.01.2026 |
| 11404 | Kolhapur – Nagpur Express | 19.01.2026 |
| 11403 | Nagpur – Kolhapur Express | 20.01.2026 |
| 12147 | Kolhapur – Hazrat Nizamuddin Express | 20.01.2026 |
| 12148 | Hazrat Nizamuddin – Kolhapur Express | 22.01.2026 |
| 11050 | Kolhapur – Ahmedabad Express | 24.01.2026 |
| 11049 | Ahmedabad – Kolhapur Express | 25.01.2026 |
These upgrades are expected to significantly enhance travel quality, aligning with the broader goals of Indian Railways modernisation.
Why LHB Coaches Are Better
LHB coaches have quickly become the backbone of premium and long-distance travel, and this LHB coach upgrade rollout is set to expand their reach even further. Their design includes an anti-climbing mechanism that prevents coaches from overriding each other during accidents, reducing the risk of fatalities. They are also made with fire-retardant materials, making them far safer than older ICF coaches. This focus on safety lies at the heart of Railway Mission 2030, which prioritises modern technology and passenger well-being.Speed is another major reason behind the ICF to LHB conversion. LHB coaches are designed for a top speed of 200 kmph, while ICF coaches max out at 140 kmph. Their smoother ride, reduced maintenance needs and ability to support future high-speed corridors make them a crucial part of the long-term Indian Railways modernisation plan.
Railway Mission 2030: A Modern India on Tracks
Under Railway Mission 2030, Indian Railways aims to completely phase out all ICF coaches by the end of the decade. Premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto already run entirely on LHB rakes, and Central Railway’s latest move adds further momentum to the nationwide shift. The increasing number of LHB coaches will help create a railway network that is safer, faster and far more comfortable for millions of passengers.In the years ahead, passengers can expect even more upgrades as Indian Railways modernisation continues full-steam, bringing India closer to global standards in travel infrastructure. These decisions not only improve everyday travel but also pave the way for high-speed and semi-high-speed trains under Railway Mission 2030, transforming the future of rail transport in India.
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