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
Infrastructure Urban

Mount Invests Rs 250 Cr, Adds PUF & PEB Plants, 400+ Jobs

TUMKUR, Karnataka, January 8, 2025 - Mount Roofing & Structures Private Limited, one of India's  fastest-growing manufacturers in PUF and a leading solutions provider across Pre-Engineered Building  (PEB) and Polycarbonate sheets, simultaneously inaugurated its second fully automated continuous  Sandwich Panel manufacturing line and a new PEB manufacturing plant at its integrated campus in  Tumkur." The milestone expansion, part of a total investment of INR 250 crores, marks a significant  advancement in the company's commitment to engineered performance, manu..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Titan Intech Strengthens UltraLED Push With Global LED Veteran

Titan Intech has announced the induction of global LED industry veteran Su Piow Ko to its Board of Directors, marking a strategic step in strengthening its UltraLED Displays roadmap and building globally competitive LED display solutions from India.The appointment aligns with Titan Intech’s ambition to position India as a hub for advanced, high-quality LED display manufacturing. With an increased focus on UltraLED Displays, the company aims to enhance technical governance, raise manufacturing standards and expand its presence across global markets.Su Piow Ko brings over three decades of inte..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Dun & Bradstreet Flags New Growth Engines in India 2026 Outlook

Dun & Bradstreet has released its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment underpinned by fresh opportunities for productivity-led and inclusive growth. The report outlines how India’s next growth phase will be driven by digitised logistics, trusted data ecosystems, clean energy and rising city vitality.According to the outlook, India’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, supported by resilient consumer demand and sustained public investment. Manufacturing is seen entering a new phase, moving beyond scale towar..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Open In App