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Indian Railways LHB coach production rises 18% in FY26; over 4,200 coaches built so far

Indian Railways LHB Coaches: Designed for improved safety, enhanced riding comfort and better operational performance, LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches offer a superior travel experience for passengers.

2 min readUpdated: Dec 14, 2025 07:32 PM IST

Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches are designed to provide improved safety, enhanced riding comfort and better operational performance for passengers. (Image: PIB)

Indian Railways LHB Coaches: The Ministry of Railways has recorded significant progress in the production of LHB coaches across the country. Designed for improved safety, enhanced riding comfort and better operational performance, LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches offer a superior travel experience for passengers.

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Indian Railways LHB coach production

During the ongoing financial year 2025–26 (up to November 2025), Indian Railways manufactured over 4,224 coaches, marking an 18 per cent increase compared to the 3,590 coaches produced during the same period last year.

In a statement, the Ministry of Railways said: “During the current financial year 2025-26 (up to November 2025), a total of more than 4,224 LHB coaches have been manufactured. This represents an 18% increase over the 3,590 coaches produced during the same period of the previous year.

The rise in output reflects the continuous strengthening of manufacturing capacity and improved production planning across Railway Units.”

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Indian Railways production units

In terms of factory-wise production during this period, the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF) produced 1,659 LHB coaches, followed by the Modern Coach Factory (MCF), Raebareli with 1,234 coaches, and the Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala with 1,331 coaches.

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4,224

Total LHB Coaches Produced (Apr-Nov 2025)

Integral Coach Factory (ICF)

Chennai

1,659

coaches

Rail Coach Factory (RCF)

Kapurthala

1,331

coaches

Modern Coach Factory (MCF)

Raebareli

1,234

coaches

Source: Indian Railways

Express InfoGenIE

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Indian Railways LHB coach production plan

Between 2014 and 2025, Indian Railways produced over 42,600 LHB coaches, marking an 18-fold increase compared to the 2,300 coaches manufactured between 2004 and 2014. “This expansion underscores the sustained focus on modernising passenger rolling stock through wider adoption of LHB coaches, known for their superior safety standards and lower maintenance requirements,” the railways said in a statement.

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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