Source – https://www.india.com/news/india/indian-railways-to-introduce-revolutionary-new-lhb-push-pull-rake-sets-for-passenger-trains-check-how-it-works-6412558/
Indian Railways Update: Indian Railways is poised to usher in a new era of passenger travel with the introduction of its new Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) Push-Pull rake sets. These state-of-the-art rakes, manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, will offer a travel experience comparable to that of the Vande Bharat Express, but in non-AC segments, as per a report carried by the Indian Express.
The LHB Push-Pull rake sets feature a unique design that places a locomotive at each end of the rake. This allows for faster acceleration and deceleration, resulting in reduced travel time. The rakes are also equipped with a host of passenger-friendly amenities, including comfortable seating, modern toilets, and improved lighting and ventilation.
Push-Pull Train: Features
The push-pull train, which is expected to be renamed once it is introduced in the Indian Railways, will have eight second-seated coaches to accommodate more passengers in the unreserved category. This is likely to benefit migrant workers, who can travel to their hometowns at a lower cost. Each second-seated coach will have seating for 100 passengers.
- Aerodynamically designed locomotives on both ends: The train will have two WAP5 locomotives at each end, allowing it to accelerate and decelerate faster.
- Jerk-free semi-permanent couplers: The train’s couplers will be semi-permanent, meaning they will not need to be uncoupled and recoupled at each station. This will reduce travel time and make the journey more comfortable for passengers.
- Control couplers on end walls: The train will have control couplers on the end walls, which will allow it to be operated in push-pull mode with locomotives at both ends. This will improve operational efficiency and reduce locomotive turnaround time.
- Fully sealed gangways: The train’s gangways will be fully sealed, keeping passengers safe from the elements.
- Mobile chargers with suitable holders and foldable bottle holders: Each coach will have mobile chargers with suitable holders and foldable bottle holders, providing passengers with convenient and comfortable amenities.
- esthetically pleasing and ergonomically designed seats and berths: The train’s seats and berths will be aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically designed, offering passengers a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.
- Improved cushioned luggage rack: The train’s luggage rack will be improved and cushioned, providing passengers with a safe and secure place to store their luggage.
- Zero-discharge FRP modular toilets: The train’s toilets will be zero-discharge FRP modular toilets, which are environmentally friendly and easy to maintain.
Statement From Railway Ministry
The push-pull mode of operating locomotive-hauled trains allows trains to be driven from both ends, with locomotives attached to the front as well as the rear. “Advantages of running trains in [the] push-pull mode include enhanced safety of train operation, reduced journey time, a comfortable ride [jerk-free], and cost-effectiveness. The push-pull composition is also a future-ready solution for up to 160 kmph speed potential, as trains can be run with existing rolling stock [electric locomotives and LHB coaches]. Besides, it can also do away with the noisy and polluting power cars, thereby saving on precious diesel.” A railway ministry spokesperson was quoted saying this in the Hindustan Times.
