Indian Railways to receive first batch of aluminium coaches

Indian Railways is likely to get its first batch of aluminium-bodied coaches by February 2022. The Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Raebareli plans to manufacture aluminium coaches in a technological shift for railways. A railway official told the media that the first set of three aluminium coaches for Kolkata Metro are predicted to be ready by the beginning of next year. Ultimately, the Indian Railways desires to get aluminium coaches for Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express style premium trains. MCF made a contract worth Rs 128 crore for this ambitious project with Dawonsys, a South Korean firm. The project implementation was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which struck both India and South Korea. The aluminium metro coaches design will probably be decided by the end of this month. As a railway official informed the media, the South Korean firm would share the designs, and they will be made in South Korea and brought to India in knocked down condition once MCF approves. Additionally, he said that the Dawonsys would manufacture these coaches in South Korea, and the technology transfer will take place to MCF slowly. One trailer coach with a speed potential of 100 kmph and two driver motor cars are included in the three standard gauge metro coaches. The contract additionally has arrangements to manufacture eight broad gauge, locomotive-hauled coaches. They include one AC hot buffet car, one AC-1 sleeper, two AC-2 tier sleepers, three AC-3 tier Sleeper coaches and one AC DSLR with Guard/Driver cabin. The speed potential of these Rajdhani style sleeper coaches is 160 kmph. Four out of these eight coaches will arrive fully assembled, and the remaining will be received in knocked-down condition and assembled here. As a part of the contract, the staff of the South Korean firm will provide hands-on training to MCF officials. In addition, the designs will be provided for self-propelled aluminium coaches with speeds of up to 225 kmph. It will help MCF in manufacturing Shatabdi style aluminium coaches. The self-propelled coaches will facilitate the Indian Railways to operate superiorly in line with its objective to connect significant cities with chair car train services. Image Source Also read: Indian Railways aims to modernise manufacturing