RCF to manufacturehigh-speed coaches

Tribune News Service

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Jalandhar, May 29

The Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, has undertaken a project for raising the speed potential of LHB coaches to 200 kmph by carrying out necessary modifications. The design for the same has been finalised.

Addressing mediapersons on the occasion of Customer Facilitation Fortnight from May 26 to June 9, organised by the Rail Coach Factory, Alok Dave, general manager of the RCF, said the Railway Board had asked RCF to take up the project.

Accordingly, the RCF started working jointly with RDSO, Lucknow, and has prepared specifications for the 200 kmph coaches.

He said the new high-speed coaches would have automatic sliding doors, axle mounted disc brake system with flexible sintered pads and EP assist system and inter-coach gangway with flexible interior furnishing.

“The proposed rake composition will have 14 numbers of 2nd AC chair car, 3 numbers of executive chair car and 3 numbers power car. The RCF has already manufactured one Shatabdi rake consisting of 10 chair cars, 2 executive chair cars and 2 power cars and was turned out on November 19, 2014, to run between NDLS-AGC at 160 kmph. This rake was provided with automatic compartment doors and passenger information system,” he added.

Alok Dave said the RCF had got an export order from Bangladesh for manufacturing of 120 LHB coaches comprising of 19 power car, 17 first AC chair car, 17 second AC chair car and 67 non-AC coaches. 40 coaches each will be supplied in three years. This is the highest export order for Indian Railways till date.

Also, for Defence, the RCF will manufacture 90 AC 3-Tier coaches, which will be supplied in batches of thirty each in three years. This is again, the highest order from the Defence.