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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 924
ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026
DETERIORATED TRAIN COACHES IN KERALA
924 SHRI ABDUL WAHAB:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) whether Government has taken note that many train coaches operating in Kerala are in a
deteriorated condition, causing discomfort and safety concerns to passengers;
(b) whether the Ministry will provide the year of manufacture and present age of coaches attached to
major trains running in Kerala, including Intercity, Parasuram, Venad, MEMU, Malabar, Raja Rani,
Netravati and other key services;
(c) whether the Ministry proposes a time-bound plan to replace old coaches with modern, safer rolling
stock; and
(d) whether accountability will be fixed for delays in coach replacement?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (d) Improvement/up-gradation of Rolling Stock to enhance safety, convenience and comfort of
passengers is a continuous and ongoing process on Indian Railways. Replacement/repair of coaches is
carried out based on condition/completion of codal life etc.
Indian Railways has proliferated technologically superior LHB coaches with better riding, improved
aesthetics and features like lightweight design, anti climbing features, air suspension (Secondary) with
failure indication system, stainless steel shell and disc brake system etc.
Production of LHB coaches during 2014-25 vis-à-vis 2004-14 is as under:
Period LHB coaches manufactured
2004-14 2,337 nos.
2014-25 42,677 nos. (more than 18 times)
As the railway network straddles across State boundaries, trains are operated across such boundaries as
per network requirement. Further, subject to operational requirement, replacement of ICF (Integral
Coach Factory) design coaches with LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches is an on-going process on
Indian Railways.
Kerala is covered by Southern Railway on which 57 pairs of train services have already been converted
into LHB coaches.Further, regular actions are taken to ensure and improve maintenance standards and cleanliness of
coaches, which are as follows:
Maintenance of coaches is carried at coaching depots/terminals in line with laid down detailed
guidelines and prescribed standards.
Mechanized Coach Cleaning is being ensured during maintenance for better cleaning of the
coach including interior, exterior and toilets.
On-Board Housekeeping Staff Service is being provided to ensure cleanliness on run and Clean
Train Station services are also provided for en-route attention.
Regular monitoring is done through inspections by nominated officials in divisions/depots &
workshops etc across Zonal Railways.
Regular training of staff is also undertaken to ensure safety and comfort of passengers.
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