From Pantry To Buffet: Indian Railways Is Serving Up A Big Upgrade

Published 10 June 2026 · india

From Pantry To Buffet: Indian Railways Is Serving Up A Big Upgrade Published By, Last Updated: June 10, 2026, 16:50 IST The Railway Board has

From Pantry To Buffet: Indian Railways Is Serving Up A Big Upgrade Published By, Last Updated: June 10, 2026, 16:50 IST The Railway Board has cleared new LHB hot buffet coaches for 160 kmph operations, aiming to upgrade catering and passenger comfort Rapid Read The upgraded catering infrastructure is expected to improve food service during long-distance journeys while complementing the broader modernisation of Indian Railways' high-speed network. Traditional pantry cars could soon become a thing of the past on some of India’s fastest trains. In a major push to modernise rail travel, the Railway Board has approved the introduction of LHB EOG hot buffet coaches, a move aimed at improving onboard catering while supporting train operations at speeds of up to 160 kmph. According to a report in Jagran, the newly approved coaches will be based on Fiat bogies and have a maximum axle load of 160 kN, or approximately 16.25 tonnes. The coaches, designated under the transportation code LWCBACAA, have received final speed certification following assessments by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and recommendations from the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety.

Railway officials believe the upgraded coaches will improve operational efficiency while offering passengers a more modern travel experience. 160 kmph Operations Subject To Infrastructure Readiness The Railway Board has clarified that the approval for operating these coaches at speeds of up to 160 kmph will depend on the readiness of the railway infrastructure. The relevant rail sections must meet prescribed track geometry and structural standards, while maintenance work will have to comply with the provisions of the Indian Railway Permanent Way Manual, 2024. Tracks intended for operations between 110 kmph and 160 kmph must also conform to standards laid down by the Railway Board and the RDSO. In addition, signalling and interlocking systems must adhere to the requirements of the Indian Railway Signal Engineering Manual, 2021. The railway network is also expected to undergo infrastructure strengthening, including measures to prevent cattle and other animals from straying onto tracks along high-speed corridors. Enhanced Safety Measures Made Mandatory The Board has laid down a series of operational and safety requirements for the new coaches.

Officials have been instructed to continuously monitor inspection data from OMS, TRCS and oscillography cars and take corrective action wherever necessary. Additional metallic safety slings will be fitted to equipment mounted beneath the coaches to improve operational safety. The guidelines also call for the phased retrofitting of 160 kN air springs, mandatory maintenance of LHB coaches in accordance with prescribed manuals, prompt action in the event of primary coil spring failures as per RDSO norms, and regular maintenance of earthing systems and electrical panels. Better Catering Experience For Passengers Railway officials say the approval could pave the way for the deployment of modern hot buffet coaches on high-speed and premium train services, including future operations on trains such as Vande Bharat and other premium express routes. The upgraded catering infrastructure is expected to improve food service during long-distance journeys while complementing the broader modernisation of Indian Railways’ high-speed network. The latest decision reflects the Railways’ ongoing efforts to upgrade rolling stock, improve passenger amenities and prepare the country’s rail infrastructure for faster and more efficient train operations.