Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Raebareli is expected to manufacture aluminium coaches for Indian Railways. The coaches are likely to be featured with better corrosion resistance and to be rolled out in the early half of next fiscal year, Hindustan Times reported.
“Aluminium coaches have the advantage of lesser weight and better corrosion resistance. Lesser weight results in savings in haulage costs and better acceleration/deceleration.
“Better corrosion resistance would result in lesser maintenance requirements in the workshops. They will also last longer than the traditional LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches,” Rajesh Aggarwal, General Manager of MCF, said.
The Railway Board is expected to approve MCF’s project report for manufacturing aluminium carriages, the report said. MCF will have to bring the technology either from Europe or Japan, according to Officials.
“Since Indian Railway does not have the technology to manufacture these coaches, we will first have to bring it in. It will cost around INR 150 crore. In the second phase, when the proposal is to manufacture 500 coaches per annum, additional INR 62 crore will be required,” said a railway ministry official.
Former Railway Board Chairman R K Singh said: “Many countries have adopted aluminium coaches as they are rusting free, can last longer; their cost of maintenance is also less. This is the right time to go for aluminium coaches.”
Responses
