Infrastructure
ICF Chennai Sets New Benchmark: 2,829 Railway Coaches Rolled Out, Longer Vande Bharat Trains In Works
Vande Bharat upgrade on the cards.
The Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has achieved a significant milestone in the fiscal year 2023-24 by rolling out 2,829 railway coaches.
Of particular significance is the production of 1,091 Distributed Power Rolling Stock (DPRS) coaches, the highest ever recorded by the ICF.
DPRS coaches include various types such as Vande Bharat, Electric Multiple Unit (EMU), and Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU). The production process for DPRS coaches requires significantly more man-hours compared to normal Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches. The remaining 1,738 coaches produced by ICF in FY24 are LHB coaches.
Highlights of the 2023-24 production include:
Production of 51 Vande Bharat rakes, comprising 45 rakes with eight cars each and six rakes with 16 cars each.
Manufacture of two rakes, each consisting of 22 coaches, for the Amrit Bharat Express, aimed at providing enhanced facilities for long-distance passengers in unreserved coaches, including folding snack tables, mobile holders, cushioned luggage racks, charging points, and other amenities.
Production of 19 self-propelled inspection cars for safety inspections across zonal railways.
Introduction of the first Oscillograph Monitoring Car for the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow, to validate the quality of passenger journeys in new coaches.
The Railway Board is planning to introduce longer Vande Bharat trains in the current financial year.
With more than 60 Vande Bharat train rakes currently in operation, produced entirely by ICF, the plan includes manufacturing 15 longer Vande Bharat train sets, each comprising 20 coaches, alongside 10 rakes of 16 coaches and 9 rakes of 8 coaches, marking an expansion in capacity and service offerings, reports Free Press journal.
Railway officials emphasise that this decision underscores the Railway Board's commitment to meet evolving passenger needs while bolstering the nation's rail infrastructure.
They anticipate that the introduction of longer Vande Bharat trains will revolutionise rail travel in India, offering passengers a seamless and comfortable journey experience.
The Integral Coach Factory's production output for 2023-2024 underscores its commitment to meeting Indian Railways' evolving needs.
Notable achievements, such as producing 51 Vande Bharat rakes and contributing to safety initiatives, demonstrate the factory's ability to adapt to industry demands, reinforcing Indian Railways' dedication to providing top-tier transportation solutions for its citizens.
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