Kannur: The oldest “grand old man” of Indian trains, the Mangaluru–Chennai Mail (12601/12602), will soon switch to modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches. The 158-year-old service will discontinue its traditional coaches after January 18. The 58-year-old Mangaluru–Chennai West Coast Express (started in 1967) will also transition to LHB coaches. In addition, LHB rakes will be introduced on the Chennai–Thiruvananthapuram Superfast (12695/96) and Chennai–Alappuzha Superfast (22639/40). The 137-year-old Malabar Express and the 23-year-old Maveli Express are also set to shift to LHB coaches soon.

The Chennai Mail first began operations in 1867. Its early names included Blue Mountain, Nilgiri and Malabar. The train was renamed “Mail” in 1887. It initially ran from Chennai Royapuram to Old Coimbatore (now Pothanur) and was later extended to Kozhikode.

Eventually, the service was further extended to Mangaluru. Over time, its locomotive changed from coal-powered engines to electric ones. However, the switch from traditional coaches to LHB coaches took until 2026 to materialise. Both the Mail and the West Coast Express belong to the Palakkad Division. These trains share rakes with the Maveli and Malabar Express, which contributed to the delay in LHB conversion.

The Malabar Express has been running since 1888. Though it too now uses an electric locomotive, the train still retained its traditional coaches until now.


LHB Coach advantages

  • Maximum speed of 160 kmph
  • Lightweight, sturdier coaches
  • Larger bogies accommodating more passengers
  • Anti-climbing devices between coaches
  • Reduced risk of coach damage in collisions
  • Lower maintenance requirements compared with traditional coaches