Question : New Coaches to Southern Railway

(a) whether it is true that dozens of brand new Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches worth several crores of rupees are gathering dust in the yards of Southern Railway awaiting clearance of the Commissioner of Railway Safety;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the light weight coaches are based on German technology and equipped with a variety of inbuilt features that provide extra space, smooth ride and safety and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether these coaches are designed for an operating speed up to 160 kmph and cost about 2 to 5 crore each and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Railways to allocate new coaches to the Southern Railway and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) No, Madam.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) Design of LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches are based on design provided by M/s Alstom-LHB, Germany under ToT (Transfer of Technology) with Indian Railways. In LHB coaches, when compared with conventional ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches, extra space is provided by way of longer length and thinner side wall assembly, smooth ride owing to better suspension. These coaches have crashworthy and anti-climbing features, which make them safer.
(d) LHB AC coaches are fit for speeds up to 160 kmph.
(e) Allotment of new coaches to zonal Railways including Southern Railway is an on -going process and it is done keeping in view the demand of coaches from zonal railways and production of coaches from production units.

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