Mangaluru
To enhance passenger safety and comfort, the conventional rakes of train No. 16347/16348 Thiruvananthapuram Central-Mangaluru Central Express and train No. 12620/12619 Mangaluru Central-Lokmanya Tilak (T) Matsyagandha Superfast Express will be upgraded to modern Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches.
According to a release from the Southern Railway’s Palakkad division, the Thiruvananthapuram Central-Mangaluru Central Express will transition to LHB coaches starting February 16, 2025, followed by the Mangaluru Central-Thiruvananthapuram Central Express on February 19. The Matsyagandha Superfast Express will switch to LHB coaches from February 17, with the return service adopting the new coaches on February 18.
The new train compositions will feature four AC two-tier coaches, two AC three-tier coaches, two AC three-tier economy coaches, eight sleeper class coaches, four general second-class coaches, one Divyangian-friendly brake van cum luggage coach, and one generator car coach.
This upgrade follows persistent passenger demand, particularly for the Matsyagandha Express, which had been operating with outdated ICF coaches for 25 years. A viral video highlighting the poor condition of these coaches prompted Udupi Chikmagalur MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary to raise concerns with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasizing ongoing public grievances and the need for immediate action.
