AHEMEDABAD, February 5, 2012: The Indian Railways will soon introduce crash-proof Linke Holfmann Bush (LHB) coaches in all mail and express trains phase-wise in the country.The LHB coaches, safer and more comfortable than the conventional compartments, are based on the German technology ensuring foolproof safety and riding comforts to the passengers. At present, LHB coaches are being used only in Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express and Duronto trains. According to Ahmedabad Railway Divisional Manager Rakesh Behal, the LHB coaches would be fitted in Ahmedabad-Delhi Rajdhani Express by the first week of March. Superior to conventional coaches, LHB coaches can run at the maximum speed of 160 to 200 kmph, without causing any jerk to passengers. These coaches are anti-telescopic and cannot turn turtle in the event of any derailment or collision. These coaches, each worth Rs25 million compared to Rs15 million for the ordinary coaches, have more riding comforts due to improved suspension system. The LHB coaches are fitted with microprocessor-controlled, high-capacity air-conditioning system which gives passengers better comforts during summer and winter. That apart, these coaches have capacity to accommodate 72 passengers in each AC-3 coach as against 64 passengers in other AC-3 conventional coach. Similarly, the number of berths is more in LHB AC-2 and AC-1 coaches, say railway officials here. The sound level of LHB coaches is hardly 60 decibels while it is about 100 decibels in conventional coaches.
