The Railway Board has ordered the immediate withdrawal of hundreds of Integral Coach Factory (ICF) designed coaches used in special trains across India. These coaches were primarily part of the former Garib Rath Express fleet and have been running in various special train services after production stopped in 2024.
Shift to Modern LHB Coaches
The older ICF coaches were replaced last year by modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) air-conditioned economy rakes for Garib Rath trains. However, the old coaches continued to operate on special services even after the switch to LHB models.
Maintenance and Safety Concerns
Senior officials from different Zonal Railways reported multiple problems with the ICF coaches, including electrical and mechanical failures, difficulties in sourcing spare parts, and overdue mid-life rehabilitation. These issues led to frequent complaints from both railway staff and passengers.
Railway Board’s Directive for Immediate Withdrawal
In response to growing concerns, the Railway Board has mandated the immediate removal of the ICF-designed Garib Rath coaches from passenger service. Approximately 900 such coaches are expected to be phased out as part of this decision.
Status in Southern Railway Zone
Southern Railway still has about 154 rakes consisting of ICF coaches running on various routes. Plans are underway to replace all remaining ICF coaches with LHB rakes by 2028, ensuring safer and more reliable travel for passengers.
Focus on Modern, Deficiency-Free Coaches
The Railway Ministry is emphasizing the rollout of ‘zero deficiency’ coaches, prioritizing passenger safety and comfort by replacing aging fleets with newer, more efficient designs.
The withdrawal of these older ICF coaches marks a significant step in modernizing India’s railway infrastructure, addressing safety concerns, and improving the overall passenger experience across the network.
