IR’s Production Plants are now 100% LHB Coach Manufacturing Units; all Railway Workshops modernized
Indian Railways, so as to better the safety standards in rail travel, have decided to fully go with Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) design coaches and stopped production of the old ICF design coaches with effect from April 2018. This decision will mark the distinction among all other major policy decisions taken by Ministry of Railways in the recent past to revamp the Indian Railways.
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Meanwhile, in Union Budget for 2017-18, Minister of Finance Arun Jaitley announced a fund called ‘Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh’ (RRSK). The fund has been created with a corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore, which is to be utilized over a period of five years for replacement, renewal as well as for upgradation of critical safety assets. Also, in 2018-19, a provision of Rs 20,000 crore has been made out of RRSK to fund essential works for ensuring safety.
The coaches are designed for an
operating speed up to 160 km/h and could go up to 200 km/h. However, they have been tested up to 180 km/h. Their
length of 23.54 m and a width of 3.24 m means a higher passenger capacity, compared to conventional rakes (US: consists). The tare weight of the AC chair car was weighed as 39.5 tonnes. They are considered to be
“anti-telescopic”, which means they do not get turned over or flip in case of a collision (chiefly head-on).
These coaches are made of stainless steel and the interiors are made of aluminium which make them
lighter as compared to conventional rakes. Each coach also has an
“advanced pneumatic disc brake system” for efficient braking at higher speeds, “modular interiors” that integrate lighting into ceiling and luggage racks with wider windows. The improved suspension system of LHB coaches ensures more riding comfort for the passengers compared to conventional rakes.
The
air conditioning system of the LHB coaches is of higher capacity compared to the older rakes and is controlled by a microprocessor which is said to give passengers better comfort than the older coaches during summer and winter seasons. They are relatively quieter as
each coach produces a maximum noise level of 60 decibels while conventional coaches can produce 100 decibels.
Each LHB coach costs between ₹ 15 million to 20 million, whereas the power car which houses a generator costs about 30 million. In 2016, IR declared that all ICF coaches will be replaced by LHB coaches to provide more safety and comfort.
LHB Coach advantages over ICF Coaches:
The LHB coaches can
travel at a higher speed. The maximum permissible speed for LHB coaches in 160 kmph. These coaches have been tested at speeds ranging 200 kmph. While the ICF coach is permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 110 kmph.
The LHB coaches are
anti-telescopic. These coaches do not penetrate into the adjacent coaches in case of accidents.
During collision or derailment, the LHB coaches do not climb on the adjacent coaches, due to the use of Center Buffer Couling(CBC), instead of the dual buffer system.
The LHB coaches are
1.7 meters longer than the conventional ICF coaches. This
enhances the seating capacity of the LHB coaches.
The coaches are equipped with FIAT bogie, which has lesser moving parts than the ICF bogie. This results in
high durability of the bogie and
requires less maintenance. FIAT bogie facilitates
higher speeds.
The
weight per meter of this coach is less than the ICF coach and is easier to haul.
As the coach is newly designed, the materials used for manufacturing the coach are of superior quality and require less maintenance.
Ride Index of the LHB coaches is 2.5–2.75, less than the ICF ride index of 3.25.
These coaches are equipped with
“controlled discharge toilet system” (CDTS) and Bio-toilets, which are environmental friendly.
The LHB coaches use
“advanced pneumatic disc brake system” for efficient braking at higher speeds.
The coaches have
Modular interiors.
Noise generated by these coaches is 40% less than the ICF coaches.
The
Air Conditioning in theses coaches is of higher capacity and is controlled by a micro-processor.
These coaches are of
lower cost when compared to the ICF coaches.
The
ICF coaches require Periodic Overhaul(POH) once in 18 months. While the LHB coaches requires POH once in 24 months. Even the
maintenance cost is less than that of ICF coaches.
Demerits:
Due to
CBC coupling, the LHB coaches
experience more jerks.
The LHB coaches are
not self generating like ICF coaches.
A separate generator car has to be used for its power usage purpose.