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Indian Railways eyes production of 4,802 LHB coaches in FY27

Indian Railways LHB coaches: LHB coaches are known for higher safety standards, lower maintenance costs and superior operational efficiency.

2 min readUpdated: Jan 8, 2026 03:20 PM IST

LHB coach production FY27: LHB coaches enable safer, smoother rail travel (Image: Ministry of Railways)

Indian Railways coach production plan, Indian Railways LHB coaches: The Ministry of Railways has planned to manufacture 4,802 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches in the financial year 2026–27. The move aims at enhancing passenger safety, improve riding comfort, and boost overall operational performance across the railway network.

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Indian Railways LHB coach production

In a release on January 6, the national transporter said that it achieved record production of General and non-AC coaches equipped with modern passenger-friendly facilities to accommodate rising demand at affordable fares. “These coaches enhance travel comfort while significantly increasing carrying capacity, reinforcing Indian Railways’ commitment to inclusive and accessible rail travel,” it added.

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The railways also stated that it has an ongoing coach production programme for the current and the next financial year to further strengthen and modernise its passenger fleet.

“For the ongoing financial year 2025–26, which is already in its final quarter, the production plan provides for 4,838 new LHB GS and Non AC coaches (LS coaches- 2817, LSCN coaches- 2021). For 2026–27, the production target is 4,802 LHB coaches (LS coaches- 2638, LSCN coaches- 2164). This planned production is aimed at meeting rising passenger demand while enhancing safety, comfort and the overall quality of train services,” it stated.

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Indian Railways LHB coach production increase

In the last 11 years, Indian Railways manufactured more than 42,600 LHB coaches. In FY 2025-26 (up to November 2025), more than 4,224 LHB coaches were produced, 18 per cent higher than the corresponding period last year.

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“LHB coaches are known for higher safety standards, lower maintenance costs and superior operational efficiency. Railways are further scaling production to meet future demand. Through indigenous production of LHB coaches, Indian Railways is strengthening the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives,” the national transporter stated. The railways is also replacing ICF coaches with LHB in a phased manner.

Anish Mondal

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

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