INDIAN RAILWAYS RECORDS SURGE IN LHB COACH PRODUCTION

New Delhi, Dec 15, 2025 : Indian Railways has made significant strides in modernising its passenger rolling stock, with the production of more than 42,600 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches over the past 11 years, reflecting a strong push towards safer, smoother and more efficient rail travel.

During the current financial year 2025–26, up to November 2025, Indian Railways manufactured over 4,224 LHB coaches, marking an 18 per cent increase compared to 3,590 coaches produced during the corresponding period last year. The rise highlights strengthened manufacturing capacity and improved production planning across railway production units.

Factory-wise data shows that the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai produced 1,659 LHB coaches during this period, followed by the Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala with 1,331 coaches and the Modern Coach Factory (MCF), Raebareli with 1,234 coaches. Together, these units contributed to the overall growth in output.

A long-term comparison underscores the scale of expansion achieved in recent years. Between 2014 and 2025, Indian Railways produced over 42,600 LHB coaches, an 18-fold increase from the approximately 2,300 coaches manufactured between 2004 and 2014. The expansion reflects sustained efforts to replace older conventional coaches with LHB coaches, which are known for enhanced safety features, superior ride quality and lower maintenance requirements.

Indian Railways said the increased indigenous production of LHB coaches aligns with the objectives of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and the ‘Make in India’ initiative by reducing dependence on imports and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.