Passengers on the Mumbai-Chennai route have complained about making their regular train shorter since this November announcement after its conversion to an upgraded LHB-class version — from January 14, 2026, two major superfast trains connecting Mumbai and Chennai/Salem will change formation from 18 coaches to 16-coach rakes.

Many passengers say this move amounts to fewer seats, tighter competition for berths and a reduction in the number of travellers. But rail authorities claim that there is no reason to worry as the new class coaches are of higher capacity and would, in fact, accommodate more passengers.