Historic moment for Palakkad Division as first LHB train service begins; Chennai Mail also upgraded

Kozhikode: A new chapter has begun in the history of the Palakkad Railway Division with the launch of its first train service using LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches from February 1. The Mangaluru–Chennai West Coast Superfast Express started operations with the new rake from February 1. The Chennai–Mangaluru Mail, which reached Kerala in the early hours of February 3, has also been upgraded to an LHB rake. The return Mangaluru–Chennai Mail service has been allotted the new coaches from February 3 as well. The Chennai Mail has been in service for 158 years.

The Chennai–Mangaluru West Coast Superfast Express will receive the new coaches from February 4. With this, all Chennai-bound trains from Malabar—except the Egmore Express—will be converted to LHB rakes.

Along with the West Coast Express and the Chennai Mail, the Railways had decided to allot new coaches to two Chennai-bound trains under the Thiruvananthapuram Division as well. The Alappuzha–Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram–Chennai Superfast Express trains have been announced for the upgrade. Although the change was initially expected from January, the dates have been postponed. These trains will begin services with the new coaches on March 1 and March 3 respectively. Other Palakkad Division trains such as Malabar Express, Maveli Express, Eranad Express, Parasuram Express, Intercity services, and the Kozhikode Jan Shatabdi are also slated to be upgraded to LHB coaches.

LHB Coaches

LHB coaches are built using German technology and are equipped with modern facilities. They are considered safer than conventional coaches. Being longer than traditional coaches, they can accommodate more passengers and also offer reduced vibrations during travel, ensuring a smoother journey.