Fri Jun 20 17:08:04 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Aging Train Coaches to be Scrapped Amid Safety Concerns**

CHENNAI, INDIA – June 20, 2025 – Hundreds of older Integral Coach Factory (ICF) designed train coaches, many of which were previously used in Garib Rath Express trains, are being withdrawn from service and condemned due to increasing safety and maintenance issues.

The decision, announced by the Railway Board, follows numerous complaints from both passengers and railway officials regarding mechanical and electrical problems, as well as difficulties in obtaining spare parts for the aging coaches. According to railway sources, the discontinuation of ICF-designed coaches for Garib Rath trains occurred last year, with Linke Hoffman Busch (LHB) air-conditioned economy rakes introduced as replacements. However, the older coaches continued to operate on special routes.

“Zonal Railways have reported a number of issues in maintenance of electrical and mechanical sub-assemblies of ICF Garib Rath coaches, which include overdue mid-life rehabilitation and difficulty in procurement of spares. It has been decided to discontinue these coaches from passenger service,” a railway official stated.

Approximately 900 coaches will be affected by the withdrawal. While the Indian Railways had previously announced a plan to replace all ICF-designed coaches, many of which are over 20 years old, a significant number of trains were still operating with these older rakes.

In Southern Railway alone, 154 rakes comprised of ICF-designed coaches remain in passenger service. Current plans aim to replace these coaches with LHB rakes by 2028. The Railway Board’s decision reflects growing concerns over passenger safety and the need for more modern and reliable rolling stock.

Read More