Kozhikode: Chennai-Mangaluru superfast express (No 12685) will become the first short distance overnight train under Palakkad division to run on Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches which is far superior to conventional coaches in terms of safety, train speed and passenger comfort.
The train will leave Chennai Central from February 29 onwards with all 21 new LHB coach rakes. Similarly, the pair train, Mangaluru-Chennai superfast express (No 12685), will have LHB coaches from March 1 onwards. “LHB coaches are designed for an operating speed up to 160 km/h and could go up to 180 km/h. They do not get turned over or flip in case of a collision. These coaches are made of stainless steel and the interiors are made of aluminum which makes them lighter as compared to conventional rakes,” said Palakkad Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM), Mohan. A. Menon.
Besides, LHB coaches have the advantage of providing more safety and better travelling comfort to commuters through improved cushioning effect. The improved suspension system ensures more riding comfort. The air conditioning system of the LHB coaches is of higher capacity and is controlled by a microprocessor which is said to give passengers better comfort than the older coaches during summer and winter seasons. They are relatively quieter as each coach produces a maximum noise level of 60 decibels while conventional coaches can produce 100 decibels.
LHB coaches have been developed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch of Germany and are produced by the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, India. These coaches are seen mostly in premium air-conditioned trains such as Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express and Duronto Express.
