In February 2000, IR received a consignment of new lightweight all-metal passenger coaches from Alsthom LHB (Germany). The initial units were earmarked for the New Delhi - Amritsar Swarna Shatabdi, but later [5/01] allotted to the new New Delhi - Lucknow Swarna Shatabdi.
The coaches are approximately 2.2m longer than the standard ICF-built integral coaches (two additional rows for the chair cars, one additional sleeping bay for the sleeper coaches). The AC coaches are expected to carry 78 passengers. The body is by Alsthom LHB, with a stainless steel construction, mounted on Fiat bogies with disc brakes. The chair cars are lighter about 10% lighter than the standard IR integral coaches, having a tare weight of 40.3 tonnes.
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for the passengers' comfort include better air flow for the air-conditioning, larger windows, lamps for all seats, and sound insulation. The coaches are also provided with 'anti-climbing' features to reduce casualties in case of collisions. As a move to greater cleanliness at stations, the toilets are designed to allow waste discharge only when the train is in motion.
LHB coaches have an IGBT-based battery charger. The air-conditioned stock uses a 6kW alternator while the non-air-conditioned stock uses a 4.5kW alternator. Air-conditioning equipment is roof-mounted.
These coaches are not compatible with existing designs of ICF/RCF coaches, having two sets of brake and feed pipes and a different electrical coupler, and hence will initially be run in block rakes consisting entirely of the new coaches, until RCF begins producing them with modifications to make them compatible with existing passenger stock.
A total of 24 new coaches are expected to be imported initially (19 second-class AC chair cars, 2 AC chair cars, 3 generator-cum-brake vans), following which a technology transfer arrangement will enable RCF, Kapurthala, to manufacture these models. Later shipments from Alsthom will include composite first-class / AC sleeper coaches, second-class AC sleeper coaches (2-tier and 3-tier), and AC buffet coaches. (See above for some information on the interior arrangements.)
RDSO had the task (starting in June 2000) of developing specifications for all the variant designs of the LHB coaches. In addition to the layout of the compartments and specifications for the passenger accommodations, RDSO also worked on the design for the suspension, alternator drives, and other such details. The design of the General Second Class (GS) coach was done by July 2002, and by 2003 ten variants of the LHB coaches had been designed by RDSO. These include self-generating versions as well as versions powered by end-on generator cars, of air-conditioned first class, 2-tier, and 3-tier coaches, as well as general second class sitting and sleeper coaches.
The speed potential for all the AC variants of the LHB coaches is 160km/h, while the non-AC variants have a speed potential of 120km/h.
Now [2/03] ICF Perambur is also expected to produced these coaches. [1/03] Prototype versions of the AC 3-tier LHB coach have been spotted at New Delhi and are [3/03] undergoing trials on the New Delhi - Kanpur and New Delhi - Moradabad - Lucknow sections. [11/03] The second LHB rake, thought to be meant for the Mumbai Rajdhani, has been spotted around Mumbai (Jogeshwari yard, etc.). Update: [1/05] LHB rakes are used for the Mumbai Rajdhani as well as the August Kranti Rajdhani.
In late 2001 the LHB coaches were taken out of service following a series of incidents where the couplers parted. They were brought back into service on Jan. 1, 2002. Some problems also developed with certain bearings used by these coaches, which were later resolved. Now [3/03] they are expected to also be brought into use for trains other than the Swarna Shatabdis, such as the Mumbai Rajdhani.
Comparison of ICF and LHB coaching stock -- passenger carrying capacity
EOG = Coach needs power from end-on generator car; SG = self-generating.Type Passengers - ICF Passengers - LHB
AC-1 (EOG) 18 24
AC-2 (EOG) 46 54
AC-3 (EOG) 64 72
AC-1 (SG) 18 24
AC-2 (SG) 46 54
AC-3 (SG) 64 72
SCN (SG) 72 78
GS (SG) 90 99
SLR 24 36

@D Pravin
The cost of each LHB coach is about Rs 1.5 crore to 2 crore. Where the cost of each locomotive is about Rs 3 crore.
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LHB coaches are anti-telescopic and cannot turn turtle in the event of any derailment or collision.
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LHB coaches have more riding comforts due to improved suspension system.
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The LHB coaches are fitted with microprocessor controlled high capacity air conditioning system, which gives passengers better comforts during summer and winter season.
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Dwelling at length on its super-quality and design structure, the Railway Board official said that the sound level of LHB coaches is hardly 60 decibels while it is about 100 decibels in conventional coaches.
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The disc brake system of LHB coaches is superior to that of conventionally used thread brake system. Besides, the Fiat technology used in LHB coaches is both heat and cold resistant. The new technology consumes less energy while creating heat and cooling effect in these new coaches.
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The controlled discharge toilet system (CDTS) in LHB coaches is an added advantage with them. The windows are wider and each coach has a pantry provision.

To minimise casualties after derailments, the Railways are contemplating switching over from indigenous ICF coaches to German technology based LHB coaches in all mail and express trains as a safety measure.
LHB (Linke Holfmann Bush) coaches made of stainless steel have more inbuilt safety features as they can absorb shock and impact of derailment more effectively and as a result do not topple, thus reducing the loss of lives in case of accident,
LHB coaches manufactured in the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala are mostly used in Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains.
jayashree...
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shah

Linke Holfmann Bush (LHB) coaches , the German technology. LHB coaches are superior to conventional coaches and could run at the maximum speed of 160 to 200 kmph . LHB coaches are anti-telescopic and cannot turn turtle in the event of any derailment or collision . LHB 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 season. That apart, these coaches have capacity to accommodate about 72 passengers in each AC-3 coach as against 64 passengers in other AC-3 conventional coach and 80 berths in SL against 72 in conventional coaches . Dwelling at length on its...
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super-quality and design structure, the Railway Board official said that the sound level of LHB coaches is hardly 60 decibels while it is about 100 decibels in conventional coaches. The disc brake system of LHB coaches is superior to that of conventionally used thread brake system. Besides, the Fiat technology used in LHB coaches is both heat and cold resistant. The new technology consumes less energy while creating heat and cooling effect in these new coaches