To make high-speed trains safe,new design of coach on anvil

Officials said computer tests for these coaches have been successful and actual crash tests will be carried out in June. “In the actual crash tests,we will know if any further changes are required in the design,” said Anand Swaroop,director (Carriages) at the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO).

Crashworthy Coaches have been designed to absorb the shock of collision in a controlled manner. A metallic honeycomb structure is fitted at the end of the coach in the non-passenger zone. Besides,the side walls in this area (non-passenger zone) are designed to get folded when collision occurs.

These two systems together check the quantum of shock passed towards the passenger zone,thereby ensuring passenger safety in the event of an accident. The technology also prevents the coach from deformation in a collision,said Swaroop.  

He added that these methods were already being used in “ICF” coaches since 2006. The ICF coaches were developed in the indigenous integral coach factories in the 1950s and provided safety even when trains notched speeds of 130 km/ hour. With high maintenance cost,these coaches have a life span of 25 years.

In 2000,Indian factories started producing German-designed coaches,known as Alstom-LHB coaches,for the high-speed trains here. Twice as expensive as ICF coaches,these coaches are light-weight and offer greater comfort to passengers. They have adjustable seats,better air exchange,longer life and low maintenance cost. Swaroop said,“These coaches are specially designed for high-speed trains. Trains with these coaches could run at a speed of up to 200 km/hour. RDSO is developing Crashworthy Coaches on the Alstom-LHB design.”

Another official claimed the Railways is contemplating a complete switch to Alstom-LHB coaches from the current ICF coaches. “In three to four years,production of ICF coaches will be stopped and only Crashworthy LHB Coaches will be made,” the official said.