Madurai: Sunil Kumar Garg, Divisional Railway Manager, Madurai Division flagged off the Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coach augmented Madurai – Chennai Egmore Pandian express on Monday evening.
The LHB coaches are fitted with microprocessor controlled high capacity air conditioning system, which gives passengers better comforts during summer and winter season. That apart, these coaches have capacity to accommodate about 72 passengers in each AC-3 coach as against 64 passengers in other AC-3 conventional coaches. Similarly, the number of berths is more in LHB AC-2 and AC-1 coaches, he said.
The newly introduced LHB coach Pandian express also would have extra 44 berths in 2-A, 32 berths 3-A and 8 berths in Sleeper Class Coaches, said Garg. Based on new German technology, the (LHB) coaches are the gift of the Indian Railways to elite passengers.
LHB coaches, made with German technology, can run at the maximum speed of 160 to 200 kmph. The coaches are anti-telescopic and cannot turn turtle in the event of a derailment or collision. The DRM said the coaches offer greater riding comfort due to improved suspension system.
The sound level of LHB coaches is hardly 60 decibels while it is about 100 decibels in conventional coaches. The disc brake system of LHB coaches is superior to that of conventionally used thread brake system. Besides, the Fiat technology used in LHB coaches is both heat and cold resistant. The new technology consumes less energy while creating heat and cooling effect.
The controlled discharge toilet system (CDTS) in LHB coaches is an added advantage. The windows are wider and each coach has a pantry provision. The railway has partially modified the design of these coaches to fulfil the needs of passengers.
