Latest news with #LinkeHofmannBusch
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
All Chandigarh-origin trains to get safer LHB coaches by year-end
Chandigarh: In a major safety upgrade, the Indian Railways has announced that all the 17 trains originating from Chandigarh Railway Station will be equipped with Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, replacing the older and less safe ICF (Integral Coach Factory) models. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The transition will be completed in five phases, with the first three trains to be upgraded in July, and the remaining two by December, 2025. Currently, 12 of the 17 trains operating from Chandigarh already run with LHB coaches. The remaining five will be upgraded in a phased manner to enhance passenger safety and comfort. Officials said that the shift to LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) coaches was prompted by safety concerns with ICF coaches, which are a type of passenger coach used by Indian Railways. The LHB coaches are known for their enhanced safety features, improved ride quality, and higher speed potential compared to older ICF coaches. They are designed with anti-climbing features, axle-mounted disc brakes, and an anti-telescopic structure to minimise damage in case of collisions. These coaches also provide a smoother and quieter ride with more comfortable seating. LHB coaches, manufactured at the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, are based on German technology and are considered safer and more efficient than their ICF counterparts. "Passenger safety is a top priority, and replacing ICF coaches is a crucial step toward ensuring safer travel. These LHB coaches are also equipped with better suspension systems, improved braking, and modern interiors," a senior railway official said. Railway officials reiterated that the move is aimed at ensuring passenger safety, operational efficiency, and a modern travel experience for commuters from Chandigarh. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With this initiative, Chandigarh Railway Station is set to become fully LHB-compliant by the end of the year. BOX Upcoming upgrades (Phase-wise schedule): Train No. 12312 Netaji Express (Kalka–Howrah) – From July 17, 2025 Train No. 14218 Unchahar Express – From July 22, 2025 Train No. 12232 Sadbhavna Superfast – From July 24, 2025 Chandigarh–Ferozepur and Chandigarh–Ramnagar – By December 2025 BOX Features of LHB coaches: —Built at Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, using German technology —Stainless steel body makes them corrosion-resistant and lightweight —Designed for speeds up to 200 km/h, operational at 160 km/h —Equipped with disc brakes for efficient and safe halting —Higher seating capacity: 80 in sleeper class, 72 in Third AC —1.7 metres longer than ICF coaches, offering more space —Lower maintenance costs and longer overhaul intervals (once every two years) —Better stability, with a ride index of 2.5 to 2.75 MSID:: 122007719 413 |
Time of India
13-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Middle berth fall puts passenger safety at risk
T'puram: The accident in which a woman was injured after a middle berth fell on her in the MGR Chennai Central-Palakkad express train on Monday shows the poor maintenance of fixtures in accident occurred after the train passed Jolarpet railway station. The middle berth fell on the passenger who was in the lower berth, and she suffered injuries to her head. Reports say that the accident happened when the passenger in the middle berth got down to go to the toilet. The chain fastening the berth was loose, and it fell on the girl in the lower berth. She was made to disembark at Salem and was admitted to a govt J from Friends on Rails, an association of railway passengers, said the chain does not fit well often. "In many cases, the passenger has to be careful when installing the middle berth. The Railways should also check all the chains of the berths before a train is prepared for a trip."Meanwhile, the southern railway blamed the passengers for the accident, saying that it happened due to improper handling of the chain-link hook by the passenger. The statement issued by the railway authorities also says that primary maintenance involving thorough scrutiny of the coaches was carried out and a fitness certificate was issued for the train. However, passengers often find many fixtures in the coaches on most trains non-functional, despite the coaches undergoing pre-departure maintenance checks. The charging port, toilet doors, latches of toilets, and the waste bin below the washbasins are often not in good condition in most of the trains, including those that have Linke Hofmann Busch coaches."Rather than blaming passengers, Railways should ensure that fixtures are in good condition. I often found the chain loose when the berth is folded up, but it becomes secure when a passenger gets on it," said Kavya Menon, a regular Railways tried out different designs to ensure that the chain that holds the middle berth remains stable. But constant use often makes them loose. These chains are not replaced till the coaches are sent for periodic overhaul, as it's not easy to get the same type of said that pre-departure checks are supposed to ensure all fixtures are in order but these checks may not be thorough due to a reduction in staff allocated per rake for this work. In an accident last June, a passenger had died after a middle berth fell on him in an Ernakulam-Nizamuddin railway has requested passengers to securely fasten the middle berth using the chain link hook after use. Improper handling or failure to lock the berth correctly may pose safety risks to fellow passengers, a statement said.
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- The Hindu
Ernakulam-Pune services to get LHB coaches
Rakes of a bi-weekly superfast express and a weekly express services between Ernakulam-Pune-Ernakulam running via Mangaluru Junction will be replaced by Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches in the month of July. A release from Southern Railway, quoting a Central Railway notification, said the rake replacement would enhance passenger comfort and safety. Train No. 22150 Pune – Ernakulam bi-weekly Superfast Express (Sundays and Wednesdays) will run with LHB coaches with effect from July 6 while its pairing service, Train No. Ernakulam – Pune bi-weekly Superfast Express (Tuesdays and Fridays) will run with LHB coaches with effect from July 8. Train No. 11097 Pune – Ernakulam weekly Poorna Express (Saturdays) will run with LHB coaches with effect from July 5 while Train No. 11098 Ernakulam – Pune Poorna weekly Express (Mondays) will run with LHB coaches with effect from July 7. Consequent to the conversion of LHB Rakes, the coach composition of both the services will be revised to have two 2-tier AC, four 3-tier AC, seven second class sleeper, four general second class, one pantry car, one second class (Divyangjan friendly) and one luggage-cum-brake van coaches.
