+
Advanced LHB Coaches Enable Automatic Coupling: Railway Minister
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Advanced LHB Coaches Enable Automatic Coupling: Railway Minister

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha that advanced LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches, introduced by Indian Railways in 1999-2000, feature center buffer couplers that enable automatic coupling without manual intervention. The statement was made in response to questions from MPs Priyanka Chaturvedi and Derek O'Brien regarding safety measures after a railway employee's fatal accident during a manual decoupling operation.

The Minister explained that older ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches, designed in the 1960s, rely on screw couplers and side buffers, requiring manual intervention. In contrast, LHB coaches eliminate this risk. Indian Railways has been replacing ICF coaches with LHB models in a phased manner. From 2014 to 2024, 36,933 LHB coaches were manufactured, compared to just 2,337 in the previous decade.

Vaishnaw also highlighted the development of advanced semi-automatic couplers for Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains, enabling automated coupling without manual involvement.

To further enhance safety, the railways conduct induction and refresher training for field staff and enforce strict hand signalling protocols during coupling, uncoupling, and shunting operations to minimise accidents. The measures aim to address safety concerns while modernising India's railway infrastructure.

(ET)

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha that advanced LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches, introduced by Indian Railways in 1999-2000, feature center buffer couplers that enable automatic coupling without manual intervention. The statement was made in response to questions from MPs Priyanka Chaturvedi and Derek O'Brien regarding safety measures after a railway employee's fatal accident during a manual decoupling operation. The Minister explained that older ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches, designed in the 1960s, rely on screw couplers and side buffers, requiring manual intervention. In contrast, LHB coaches eliminate this risk. Indian Railways has been replacing ICF coaches with LHB models in a phased manner. From 2014 to 2024, 36,933 LHB coaches were manufactured, compared to just 2,337 in the previous decade. Vaishnaw also highlighted the development of advanced semi-automatic couplers for Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains, enabling automated coupling without manual involvement. To further enhance safety, the railways conduct induction and refresher training for field staff and enforce strict hand signalling protocols during coupling, uncoupling, and shunting operations to minimise accidents. The measures aim to address safety concerns while modernising India's railway infrastructure. (ET)

Next Story
Real Estate

MoHUA Sanctions 1.47 Lakh Additional Houses Under PMAY-U 2.0

In a major push towards the Government’s Housing for All mission, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has approved 1,46,582 additional pucca houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) for 14 States/UTs, bringing total sanctions under the revamped scheme to 8.56 lakh.The decision came during the fourth meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC), chaired by Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, MoHUA, at the Ministry’s Kasturba Gandhi Marg office. Senior officials, State Principal Secretaries, and PMAY-U Mission Directors participated ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Piyush Goyal Inaugurates Expanded ISA Building at Intellectual Property Office

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, today inaugurated the newly expanded International Searching Authority (ISA) building at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in Dwarka, New Delhi, marking a major step forward in India’s intellectual property ecosystem.Addressing the gathering, Goyal highlighted that innovation has been central to India’s heritage for centuries, citing the engineering brilliance of the Konark Temple as a historic example. He emphasised that innovation is not just intellectual property but a symbol of sovereignty, and a key driver in India’s journe..

Next Story
Real Estate

SIEGER Boosts Automation in Mumbai Realty

SIEGER, a leading automation solutions provider, is expanding its advanced manufacturing capabilities to meet the surging demand for precision, high-speed automation in Mumbai’s rapidly growing real estate sector.Operating from a 21,000 m² advanced production hub in Coimbatore—part of a 40,000 m² integrated campus—SIEGER offers complete solutions from design and prototyping to manufacturing and deployment. The fully digitalised facility features CNC machining, QR-coded component tracking, conveyorized powder coating, and a Government of India–certified R&D centre, ensuring unmatc..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?