There was long pending demand of the local representatives and people of the concerned regions to provide LHB rake to KSR Bengaluru – Hubballi KSR Bengaluru Janshatabdi train. To cater the raising demand of local representatives and people of the concerned regions Train No. 02079/02080 KSR Bengaluru – Hubballi – KSR Bengaluru Janshatabdi Special Express is being run with LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches from today (17.08.2020) onwards.
Features of LHB (Linke-Hofmann Busch) Coaches:-
Indian Railways have been transporting passenger traffic mainly through coaches of ICF design. To overcome the limitations in terms of Speed potential, Heavy corrosion, Poor riding comfort & Wearing of parts in the under gear of coaches of ICF design, Indian Railways is suit change over the LHB coaches.
These coaches are produced by Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala. These coaches were first commissioned in the year 2001. LHB coaches are far superior to ICF coaches with respect to passenger comfort, safety, speed, corrosion, maintenance and aesthetics. These coaches are also longer as compared to ICF design resulting into more carrying capacity.
The benefits from these types of coaches are as under:-
i. Higher carrying capacity – These coaches are about 2 meters longer than ICF coaches. With this extra length two additional rows of chairs in chair cars or one additional bay in sleeper coaches can be accommodated.
ii. The weight of LHB coach is lesser as compared to ICF design coaches.
iii. Low corrosion – There will be low corrosion of LHB coaches due to extensive usage of Stainless Steel and better design and manufacturing techniques.
iv. Low Maintenance – Replacement and removal of sub-systems will be required only after one million kilometers.
v. LHB Coaches have aesthetically superior interiors with FRP panels for side wall and roof. They can be removed easily for maintenance, resist water seepage and are wear resistant.
vi. There are no visible screws inside the passenger compartments.
vii. Better passenger comfort: Better Riding Index has been specified as compared to conventional ICF coaches.
viii. LHB coach offers better passenger safety due to:
Use of fire retardant materials for furnishing.
Provision of emergency open able windows.
vertically interlocked Centre Buffer Couplers.
ix. LHB coach offers better passenger amenities due to:
More space for pantry;
Individual reading light in chair car;
Ergonomically designed chairs with reclining back rest.
