Minister of State for Railways, Shri Ravneet Singh, praised Rail Coach Factory (RCF) during his first visit, highlighting its groundbreaking contributions to Indian Railways. RCF’s latest projects include Amrit Bharat coaches, Vande Bharat, Vande Metro trains, and specialised coaches for the Kashmir Valley. RCF aims to manufacture 2,401 coaches by 2024-25.
Image Credit: Rail Coach Factory
Introduction:
Minister of State for Railways, Shri Ravneet Singh, visited the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) at Kapurthala for the first time, commending its significant role in revolutionising Indian Railways with advanced passenger coaches and high-speed trains.
Key Innovations and Projects:
Amrit Bharat Coaches:
- Designed to provide comfort, safety, and modern amenities at affordable costs.
- Features include enhanced aesthetics, CCTV, improved LED lighting, fire suppression systems, foldable snack tables, and external LED lights for emergencies.
- RCF plans to roll out five rakes of Amrit Bharat trains with 22 coaches each this year.
Image Credit: Northern Railway
Vande Bharat and Vande Metro:
- Showcases India’s advancements in high-speed rail.
- First Vande Metro rake with 16 coaches for short-distance intercity travel to be flagged off soon.
- Vande Metro trains include features such as route map indicators, CCTV, and Divyangjan passenger toilets.
- Two Vande Bharat train sets with a speed potential of 160 kmph are also scheduled for production.
Jammu-Baramulla Railway Line Coaches:
- RCF has developed coaches suitable for extreme cold conditions in Kashmir.
- Features include self-regulating heating cables, insulated water systems, and high-capacity AC units.
- Two rakes have already been dispatched, with the third nearing completion.
Image Credit: Rail Coach Factory
Insights:
Shri Ravneet Singh said, Rail Coach Factory continues to push the boundaries with latest innovations Amrit Bharat coaches, Vande Bharat, Vande metro, Udhampur-Srinagar baramulla rail link coaches.
New High-Speed Vehicles:
- RCF is designing a 160 kmph Safe Speed Accident Relief Vehicle (SPART) and a 130 kmph Safe Speed Induction Car (SPIC).
- These vehicles feature advanced AC and diesel traction systems for enhanced reliability and performance.
- Construction will commence soon, with completion expected by the year-end.
Image Credit: Northern Railway
Narrow Gauge Coaches for Kalka-Shimla Toy Train:
- RCF manufactures panoramic Vistadome coaches for the Kalka-Shimla route, enhancing passenger experience with expansive views.
- The first 7-coach train will soon be operational, with a total of 30 coaches in production.
Production Targets and Achievements:
- The Railway Board has increased RCF’s production target to 2,401 coaches for 2024-25.
- RCF recently manufactured its 45,000th coach, with plans to achieve the 50,000th milestone soon.
Image Credit: Rail Coach Factory
Major Feat Achieved by the RCF:
Rail Coach Factory (RCF) has achieved a major milestone by producing its 45,000th coach. This accomplishment underscores RCF’s dedication to advancing India’s rail infrastructure, highlighting its crucial role in enhancing passenger experience and expanding the nation’s rail network capabilities.
Conclusion:
Shri Ravneet Singh’s visit underscores RCF’s pivotal role in the modernization of Indian Railways. With innovative projects like Amrit Bharat, Vande Bharat, and specialised coaches for challenging terrains, RCF is set to meet ambitious production targets, further cementing its reputation as a leader in rail coach manufacturing.
Source: Northern Railway – Press Release | Featured Image Credit: Rail Coach Factory
