Explained: Why This Government Has Been Investing In The Much Safer LHB Coaches

The Odisha train accident that has resulted in the unfortunate death of over 270 people has again ignited a debate around the LHB or the Linke Hofmann Busch coach.

Both passenger trains involved in the mishap were using the LHB coaches, and while the pile up is being attributed to the high speed of both the trains, many railway observers and enthusiasts have maintained that the death toll could have been far higher had it not been for these coaches.

In February 2019, it was reported that the Indian Railways had produced more LHB coaches in the last two years than in the first seventeen years since its introduction, in 2002.

According to the ministry, these coaches are equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as disc brakes, a hydraulic suspension system, a center buffer coupling system, and side suspension.

These advanced features ensure that passengers can experience a higher level of comfort and safety during their journey.

These coaches are currently being produced at three prominent manufacturing facilities: Rail Coach Factory (RCF-Kapurthala), Integral Coach Factory (ICF-Chennai), and Modern Coach Factory (MCF-Rai Bareli).

As of August 2022, a total of 31,519 LHB coaches have been manufactured, with RCF contributing 9,923 coaches, ICF producing 12,602 coaches, and MCF contributing 8,994 coaches.

It is noteworthy that even during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, these factories operated at full capacity and achieved a remarkable milestone of manufacturing a record-breaking 6,291 coaches during the year 2021-2022.

In 2013, nearly 20 years after the contracts for LHB coaches were issued, India produced 3,082 ICF coaches as against only 543 coaches of the safer LHB variety.

A series of accidents in 2016 forced the railways to accelerate the replacement of coaches. Pushed by the Railways Ministry, the factories churned out 1,697 LHB coaches in 2015-16.

However, the question beckons as to why the government, since its first tenure, been investing in the LHB coaches against the ICF ones?

One, LHB coaches are constructed using stainless steel, resulting in a lighter weight compared to Integral Coach Factory (ICF) coaches. These coaches are designed to operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h, with the potential to reach speeds of 200 km/h.

Second notable feature is the presence of disc brakes, which significantly enhance braking effectiveness. This enables the train to come to a halt more swiftly when necessary.

Three, with the integration of hydraulic suspension and side suspension systems, passengers experience reduced jerks during the journey. In simpler terms, this ensures a more comfortable travel experience.

Finally, LHB coaches are significantly safer than ICF coaches for multiple reasons, including the superior design of the ‘couplers’, which help join two coaches to form a rake. The coupler design prevents ‘climbing’ or piling up of coaches during accidents. 

Earlier this year, in February, a derailment incident occurred between Bibinagar and Ghatkesar stations, involving six coaches of the Visakhapatnam-Hyderabad Godavari Express.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident. South Central Railway (SCR) officials stated that the affected coaches included four sleeper class coaches (S4 to S1), one general coach, and one luggage-cum-brake van. However, the remaining portion of the train, comprising 16 coaches, remained unaffected by the derailment.

What missed the media glare, however, was that the implementation of the Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) technology coaches, played a crucial role in preventing a major disaster during the derailment of the Godavari Express.