ICF raises annual target, plans to produce over 3,000 coaches this fiscal

The coach manufacturing unit in Perambur has proposed to produce over 2,000 LHB (Linke Hoffmann Busch) coaches, against the earlier 1,111, which was the target achieved in 2017-18.

ICF had only produced 400 LHB coaches in 2016-17 when it commenced the complete transition from conventional to LHB coaches.

The general manager of ICF, Sudhanshu Mani, said on Wednesday that the factory would produce over 3,000 coaches in the current fiscal. Even at 1,111 coaches in the last fiscal, ICF’s production was the highest for any coach manufacturing unit in India. The total out-run of coaches of ICF (2,503) in 2017-18 was higher than the combined outrun by Kapurthala (668) and Raebareli (711) coach production units.

ICF has assured to roll out the first full rake of “Train-18” by July 2018. The 100 per cent indigenous Train-18, which would be capable of clocking 160kmph (test speed – 180kmph) would have automatic doors and footsteps. A layer of the footstep would eject from the under gear as soon as the train comes to halt on a platform, thereby reducing the space between the train and the platform for the travelers.

The sophisticated T-18 for which seats would be initially imported from Spain would have three categories of coaches, trailer car, driving trailer car, motor car and non-driving trailer car.