Kerala gains new Linke Hofmann Busch aluminium coaches running on Indian Railway line

Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches were first developed for Indian Railways by the German company, Linke-Hofmann-Busch, presently known as Alstom Transport Deutschland. These coaches have been used in the country since 2000 on the 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge Indian Railways network. Now, it has been notified that seven trains conducting services in Kerala will receive modern Linke Hofmann Busch coaches from August 1.

Linke Hofmann Busch coaches have steel outside but their insides are forged with aluminium to curb the extra weightage of the train body. Aluminium is quite lighter than steel and it skilfully replaces the application of steel in making the interior of the trains.

Linke Hofmann Busch coaches are a perfect amalgamation of strength and a modern minimalistic approach where rigidity meets malleability to create a perfectly safe and hardy train coach.

The Alappuzha-Dhanbad Express, which has a green schedule for every day will continue providing services with LHB coaches from August 1 itself. Kanyakumari-Katra Himsagar Express will completely upgrade its wheelhouse to become LHB coaches, effective December 16.

In a generic sense, LHB coaches will be utilised by trains travelling via; Vishakhapatnam-Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram-Silchar, Kochuveli-Bhavnagar and Kochuveli-Porbandar.

In the beginning, 24 air-conditioned coaches were outsourced from Germany to be aligned with the Shatabdi Expresses. But soon after the technology was transferred, the coaches began to be indigenously manufactured in Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, India.

Linke Hofmann Busch coaches comprise aluminium which makes them lighter than the existing coaches utilised by the Indian Railway. Owing to its feather-like structure, a train with LHB coaches can reach a maximum speed of 160kmph.

In fact, the coaches foster a better seating arrangement, enhanced braking system, security and toilet facilities. The safety mechanism underneath the chassis promises a comfortable journey.