Indian Railways has started a nationwide campaign to upgrade Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi Express trains. The goal is to bring modern facilities to these trains, similar to those found in Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat services. The Railway Board has asked all zonal railways to check their train rakes and create plans for these improvements.
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What new facilities will Shatabdi passengers get?
Passengers will see improvements in ride quality and comfort. The upgrade plan focuses on several key areas to make the journey better for common travelers:
- Better and cleaner toilet facilities
- More comfortable seating arrangements
- New charging ports for electronic devices
- Improved snack tables for passengers
How is the revamp being implemented?
The Railway Board has issued directives to ensure a standardized upgrade across the network. On April 26, 2026, it was noted that conventional coaches on routes like Barbil-Howrah are being replaced with advanced LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) rakes. This change ensures better safety and a smoother ride without increasing ticket fares.
What is the long-term plan for Shatabdi trains?
Indian Railways plans to gradually replace existing Shatabdi services with Vande Bharat Express rakes. The production of new Shatabdi coaches has reportedly stopped. To support this transition, an order for 1,500 new Vande Bharat chair car coaches has been placed for manufacturing between the financial years 2026-27 and 2029-30.