Hyderabad: The efficacy of German-engineered Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) railway coaches over conventional coaches have been on display during recent train derailments.
The LHBs have played a crucial role in protecting thousands of passengers through their sophisticated safety features such as anti-climbing and anti-propulsion technology during recent incidents involving the Hyderabad-Chennai Charminar Express, Secunderabad-Shalimar Express, and Hyderabad-Vizag Godavari Express in 2023.
Last month, when 12 coaches of Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express derailed in Tamil Nadu, there were only injuries and no loss of life. The incident could have been catastrophic with conventional coaches, considering the train was travelling at 75-90 kmph when the accident happened. These LHB coaches incorporate anti-telescopic features that prevent them from crushing into adjacent coaches or overturning during collisions, particularly in head-on impacts, railway officials said.
“A key feature of LHB coaches happens to be that they do not flip in case of a collision and have axle-mounted disc brakes for efficient braking at higher speeds and ensure safety of passengers in case of emergencies,” said a railway official.
Railway officials said that LHB coaches offer many advantages over traditional coaches, which suffer from speed constraints, extensive corrosion damage, uncomfortable rides, and inadequate braking during emergencies. These modern coaches incorporate computerised wheel slide protection systems and utilise fire-resistant materials throughout their manufacture.
The LHB coaches are manufactured in Chennai (TN), Kapurthala (Punjab), and Raebareli (UP). Initially, these coaches were exclusively deployed for Shatabdi Express and Rajdhani Express.
Railways has initiated a modernisation programme to gradually substitute conventional coaches with LHB variants. These coaches are engineered to accommodate more passengers while ensuring safety standards, with the capability to operate at speeds reaching 160 kmph.
According to SCR officials, the maintenance requirements of LHB coaches are significantly lower compared to conventional coaches. The coaches made of stainless steel reduce corrosion issues, while the modular design allows for easier replacement of components. Each coach also has an advanced pneumatic disc brake system for efficient braking at higher speeds, officials said.
