Rajyarani Express to get modern LHB coaches for safer and more comfortable travel
As the only direct express train connecting these regions to the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, it witnesses heavy passenger rush daily.
As the only direct express train connecting these regions to the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, it witnesses heavy passenger rush daily.
As the only direct express train connecting these regions to the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, it witnesses heavy passenger rush daily.
The Nilambur–Kochuveli Rajyarani Express is set for a major upgrade, with Southern Railway initiating plans to replace its ageing Integral Coach Factory (ICF) coaches with state-of-the-art Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) rakes. In the first phase, the train is expected to run with 15 new LHB coaches, offering a vastly improved travel experience for commuters.
Platform upgrades underway
While there is a strong demand to run the train with a full strength of 24 coaches, this is not immediately feasible due to platform length constraints at several railway stations along the route. However, a proposal to extend these platforms is currently under active consideration by the railway administration. Renovation works are already progressing at various stations along the Shoranur–Nilambur line to accommodate the longer LHB coaches.
A safer and more comfortable ride
Developed with advanced German technology, LHB coaches are significantly superior to the traditional ICF coaches. Designed to travel at speeds of up to 160 km/h, these lightweight coaches offer a much smoother journey with minimal jerking. Passengers will benefit from wider seats, improved legroom, and more spacious interiors. Built using high-grade stainless steel, these coaches boast high durability and lower maintenance costs. Crucially, they feature an anti-climbing design that prevents coaches from piling up on top of each other in the event of a derailment or collision, significantly enhancing passenger safety.
Addressing heavy passenger demand
Currently, the Rajyarani Express operates with 16 ICF coaches, including sleeper, AC, and general compartments. Due to shorter platform lengths at certain minor stations, some of the coaches are kept locked during halts. Even with 15 LHB coaches in the initial phase, passengers will experience better space utilisation compared to the current 16-coach ICF configuration.
The Rajyarani Express is a crucial lifeline for commuters from Mannarkkad in Palakkad district, as well as Malappuram, Manjeri, Nilambur, and Perinthalmanna. As the only direct express train connecting these regions to the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, it witnesses heavy passenger rush daily. A significant portion of these travellers are long-distance commuters and patients heading to the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) and the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram. The massive demand often leaves many unable to secure reservations, with waiting lists routinely getting exhausted, making this upgrade a much-anticipated relief for regular travellers.