Indian Railways’ N.F. Railway Zone begins producing high-speed automobile carrier coaches, revolutionizing auto transport logistics.
In a groundbreaking move, Indian Railways’ Northeast Frontier Railway Zone has begun producing high-speed automobile carrier coaches repurposed from old passenger coaches. This launch marks a new era in automobile transportation with the introduction of High-Speed Automobile Carrier (NMGHS) coaches at the Dibrugarh Workshop of the N.F. Railway Zone.
The NMGHS coaches, designed for efficient transportation of automobiles, particularly two-wheelers, are a significant innovation. Repurposed from GSCN passenger coaches, these new carriers offer increased speed, better accessibility, and a higher loading capacity compared to traditional freight coaches.
The transformation and production of these coaches have been remarkably swift, with three NMGHS coaches already manufactured and an additional three currently in production. This initiative is a historic first for Indian Railways, incorporating multiple enhancements such as wider side doors for easier loading and unloading, natural pipe lighting, retro reflective tape for enhanced guidance, robust chequered sheet floors, improved fall plate arrangements, and upgraded end door designs with barrel locks.
Developed in collaboration with the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and automobile manufacturers, these coaches feature a significantly higher payload capacity of 18 tons compared to the conventional 12 tons and can achieve speeds of up to 110 km per hour, making them the fastest automobile carriers in Indian Railways’ history.
The Railway Board’s approval and subsequent production of these coaches signify a substantial enhancement in Indian Railways’ logistics capabilities. The introduction of NMGHS coaches aligns with the growing preference of automobile manufacturers for rail transport due to its cost-effectiveness, speed, and environmental benefits over road transportation. This initiative reduces transportation costs for manufacturers and facilitates the direct shipment of various types of automobiles from manufacturing plants to northeastern states, ultimately benefiting the public.
The successful rollout of these innovative coaches underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to improving logistics and supporting the automobile industry’s evolving needs.
(SOURCE: SENTINEL)
