PPMAI hails introduction of 'Make in India' LHB coaches

Top Stories

»	49% Indian startups now from tier 2, 3 cities: Jitendra Singh
»	'India ranks 3rd in global startup ecosystem & number of unicorns'
»	Tripura exported over 9K tonnes of pineapples in 2 years
»	CPI inflation eases to 6.71% in July, IIP falls to 12.3%
»	Rupee depreciates 12 paise to close at 79.64 against US dollar

SME Times News Bureau | 13 Oct, 2017
The Process Plant and Machinery Association of India (PPMAI), the apex body of capital goods manufacturers has welcomed introduction of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches which are considered safer, lighter and paint free with longest maintenance free life by Indian railways recently.

Worldwide Stainless Steel is the standard material for railway and metro coach application. In all existing metro networks in India as well as the newly proposed ones, High strength stainless steel is being used for light weight and sustainable solutions.

"Given the spate of rail accidents over the last year, Indian Railways has decided to stop production of traditional ICF coaches in 2017. LHB coaches boast of stainless steel bodies and have anti-climbing features. This ensures that in case of a derailment, the coaches do not pile onto each other, hence making them safer. The LHB coaches also have a graduated release modular braking system the axle mounted disc brakes," said Yatinder Pal Singh Suri, Chairman, PPMAI and Managing Director, Outokumpu India, the largest stainless steel maker world wide.

"PPMAI welcomes complete switchover of Indian railway coaches from conventional coaches to the much safer and lighter coaches now onwards. These stainless steel coaches are designed to be anti-telescopic, which means that they do not pile up over each other in the event of derailment, are stronger and absorb more energy during collision due to high impact strength which reduces risk of injury and fatalities drastically. Stainless steel is sustainable and extremely environment friendly to earn carbon credits for Railways," said Suri.

"In recent times, preference for Duplex Stainless steel grade is being given worldwide due to its high impact strength to avoid crumbling , high corrosion resistance, longest maintenance free life (no paint needed), fire safety, ease of cleaning and visual aesthetics. The best part is that at the end of its life after 50 years each kilogram of the stainless steel used in coaches can be recycled and reused," said Suri.

"The Indian railway is currently expanding production of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches which are considered safer, lighter and paintless with longest maintenance free life. Two metre wide sheets of Duplex stainless steel is proposed on coaches which will lead to energy savings and can enhance the productivity of railway coach factories besides improving the long lasting aesthetic beauty of the coach. Currently, Railways is looking to produce more coaches than what they replace every year. Higher productivity with two metre wide sheets in Duplex is the quick and easy answer," added Suri.