ट्रेन कोच के अलग अलग रंग एवं अलग अलग रंग की धारियां क्यों होती हैं?

ट्रेन कोच के अलग अलग रंग एवं अलग अलग रंग की धारियां क्यों होती हैं?:

भारतीय रेल में ट्रेन के डिब्बों (कोचों) पर अलग-अलग रंग और धारियां केवल सौंदर्य या सजावट के लिए नहीं होतीं, बल्कि उनके पीछे एक व्यवस्थित तर्क और कार्यात्मक उद्देश्य होता है। आइए इस विषय को विस्तार से समझते हैं:

1. कोच के रंग और उनका महत्व

रेलवे के कोचों पर प्रयुक्त रंग, उनके उपयोग, श्रेणी और प्रकार को चिन्हित करने के लिए होते हैं। उदाहरण के लिए:

 

कोच का रंग	उपयोग/श्रेणी	विवरण
नीला (Blue)	मेल/एक्सप्रेस ट्रेन के सामान्य कोच	सबसे सामान्य रंग, वर्षों से प्रयोग में।
लाल-मेरून (Maroon)	पुराने आईसीएफ (ICF) कोच	1990 के दशक तक प्रचलन में।
हल्का नीला और गहरा नीला संयोजन	सामान्य और शयनयान (Sleeper) कोच	नए जमाने की मेल/एक्सप्रेस ट्रेनों में देखा जाता है।
क्रीम-लाल (Cream-Red)	राजधानी, शताब्दी जैसी प्रीमियम ट्रेनें	क्रीम बॉडी और लाल पट्टी। उच्च श्रेणी के संकेत।
सफेद और नीला/सिल्वर	वातानुकूलित (AC) कोच	आमतौर पर AC First Class, AC 2 Tier आदि के लिए।
क्रीम-हरे रंग का संयोजन	गरीब रथ ट्रेनें	विशेष रूप से गरीबों के लिए बनाई गई किफायती एसी ट्रेनें।
हरा और पीला	उपनगरीय (Suburban) ट्रेनों के कोच	मुंबई, चेन्नई जैसे शहरों की लोकल ट्रेनों में।
सलेटी (ग्रे) और सफेद	अत्याधुनिक LHB कोच	तेजस, वंदे भारत जैसी आधुनिक ट्रेनों में।

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2. धारियों (Stripes) का महत्व

धारियां (Stripes) कोच पर जल्दी पहचान के लिए लगाई जाती हैं, खासकर बड़े स्टेशनों पर जहां गाड़ियों के डिब्बों की संख्या अधिक होती है। इनका उद्देश्य है:

WARRANTY INSPECTION OF NEWLY BUILT WAGONS

a) All newly built wagons have a warranty period of 24 months or as prescribed in the purchase contract. In accordance with the conditions mentioned in the wagon manufacturing contracts, the charges for rectification of the following category of defects can be realised from the wagon builder :-

 Use of inferior material

 Poor workmanship on the part of contractor

 Imperfect protection

 Other faults on the part of contractor which are noticed during the warrantyperiod.

b) To enable the Railway Board to realise the warranty charges, a systematic inspection of new wagons must be undertaken by representative of C&W to locate defects during the warranty period. The following procedure is laid down for this purpose:-

Repair Procedure for Roof Leakage in LHB AC coaches

Repair Procedure for Roof Leakage in LHB AC coaches. 

ANNEXURE - 1

Procedure for FRP trough Roof Leakage in LHB AC coaches-testing & repair 

1) Drain outlet of FRP trough to be cleaned from (outside) end wall side to clear any blockage due to dry leaves, dirt, garbage and sediments. 

2) Visual inspection of RMPU bellows of return air & conditioned air, RMPU bellow gaskets, tightness of bolts, if any defects observed it has to be attended. If the duct bellows are found to be damaged, replace the damaged duct bellows. 

DESIGN FEATURES & COACHES OF LHB COACH SHELL

 DESIGN FEATURES OF LHB COACH SHELL 

FIAT BOGIE IN LHB COACH

 3.4 FIAT BOGIE. 

The LHB coaches are provided with the FIAT bogies to run at a speed of 160 KMPH. 

Limitations of ICF all Coil Bogie 

• The longitudinal and lateral movements of the wheels cannot be controlled independently as generally required for Highspeed bogies. 
• Since there is vertical space constraint between the top and bottom bolster, it is not possible to provide softer secondary suspension springs which are required for the high speed trains to control the dynamic movements of the bogie bolster and coach body. 
• Headstocks increase the yaw inertia of the bogie frame and thereby, influence the tendency for hunting. The wheelbase of ICF all coil bogie is 2896 mm. This large wheelbase affects curve negotiations and thereby increases wheel flange wear. 131 
• Since the brake forces are offered on the wheel tread by clasp brake, it could not give sufficient retardation during brake application which in turn increases the emergency braking distances. The life of the wheel is also reduced due to tread wear. 

Wheel and Axles Of LHB Coach

 Wheel and Axles 

• Two brake disks (4), diameter 640 mm and width 110 mm. 
• Two wheel disc of tread dia 915 (New), 845 (worn) 

• Dynamic balancing 320rpm 
• Less that/equal to 50gm.m 

SAFETY RELATED PROVISIONS & ADVANTAGE OF LHB COACHES

 Safety Related Provisions

1. Four emergency exit windows for faster passenger evacuation during emergencies.

2. Wider vestibule designs for smooth inter coach movement with luggage.

3. Convenient to operate emergency alarm pull operation and Fire - retardant furnishing controls the spreading of fire and prevents higher damages.

LHB COACHES - BENEFITS TO RAILWAYS & PASSENGER

BENEFITS TO RAILWAYS 

• A longer coach: LHB coaches are approximately 1.7 meters longer than the conventional ICF type coaches. This means “more travel space”, “increased seating capacity”, “wider bays and doorways” etc. 
• A lighter coach: Weight per meter length of LHB coach is approximately “10%” lesser than the conventional coach. This not only means lower haulage costs but also less wear and tears of the coaches and track. 
• A higher speed coach: LHB coaches are designed to run at a maximum speed of 180 kmph. Even for speeds of 200 kmph, no major changes are required. 
• Lesser maintenance required: Lesser maintenance required due to Use of superior materials with longer life. 
• Wheel slide protection (WSP) system based on microprocessor: It detects the variation of speed between the 4 wheels of the coach and if any wheel is rotating at a lower speed, the particular wheel brake is released automatically. This protects the wheel from skidding. 

Air Brake Testing Procedure for LHB Coaches

 Air Brake Testing Procedure for LHB Coaches: 

On arrival of the rake on pit line, completely drain the AR tank (125 litres & 75 litres) of all the coaches by opening the drain cock, to remove the water in air. 

Initially, couple the BP hose of the test rig with the BP hose of the rake & then charge the BP pressure to 5.0 kg/cm2 . Keep the FP angle cock of both end power cars in close position. Check the FP gauge fitted in the power car, if the gauge does not show any pressure, the NRV of all the coaches are ok. If, FP gauge shows any pressure, the NRV of some coach in the rake is defective. In this condition, check the rake for NRV defective by taking the coaches in parts. NRV found defective in particular coach should be replaced. 

Salient Features LHB – Coaches

Salient Features of LHB – Coaches

Important features of LHB coaches which make them superior to existing ICF design coaches are summarized below. 

i. Coach Body - LHB coach is light weight construction made from low corrosive stainless steel. The weight of the coach is about 10 percent less as compared to the conventional coach resulting into lower haulage cost. Each vehicle is equipped with complete pantry to store hot meals and cold beverages except LWLRRM, LWFAC, SCN, GS etc. The modular construction and the integration of lights into interior ceiling and luggage racks are characteristics features of modern interior design. Windows are specious and modern equipment have been provided which make the coach far superior esthetically. 

ICF COACHES - Draw & Buffing Gear

 Draw & Buffing Gear

Draw Gear: 

It is a vital component of rolling stock, which is utilized to connect one rolling stock to the adjacent rolling stock to form a train & also to transmit draft forces from engine to last vehicle. It is provided in the centre of the body in the under frame head stock at both the ends. Mainly two types of draft gear are being utilized in Indian Railways. 

ICF COACHES - Coach Maintenance History Card

 Coach Maintenance History Card

Every coaching depot shall have computers for maintaining the coach maintenance history in software programmed which should be compatiblewith the programmed of the coaching workshop.

The “Coach Maintenance History Card” (MHC) for each of its coaches. The card will contain records of maintenance schedules including POH and special repairs in shops. It will also show the history of the coach from the time the coach is placed in service will its condemnation and will give details of all major repairs wheel changing bogie changing etc.

ICF COACHES - CORROSION AND ITS PREVENTION

 CORROSION AND ITS PREVENTION 

Introduction: When metals are put into use in various forms they are exposed to environment containing liquids, gases etc. As a result of this the surface of metal starts deteriorating. This type of deterioration or destruction may be direct chemical attack or electrochemical attack.

ICF COACHES - RIDING INDEX

RIDING INDEX 

The assumptions for the formulation of certain standards of assessing comfort is purely from the point of view of vehicle oscillations transmitted to passengers only. The human sensation of comfort is dependent on displacement, acceleration and rate of change of acceleration. Basically, these indices are function of the amplitude of vibration and frequency of vibration. In other words, the product of these values could be used as measure of comfort/discomfort.

IOH/POH periodicity of ICF coaches

IOH/POH periodicity of ICF coaches: 

(Rly Bd letter No.2007/M(C)/141/1 Dated: 26.09.2008 & 06.08.2009) 

D.O.No.2007/M/(C)/141/1 dated: 12.02.2009 by MM to all CMEs

ICF COACHES - NMG COACHES

NMG COACHES 

The coaches with age of 20 – 21 years or later are being converted during POH for the purpose to carry Automobile (Express). These coaches are known as NMG coaches and the rakes formed with these coaches are called NMG rakes. 

Following are the features: 

• Load carrying capacity is 12 ton maximum. 
• Speed 75 kmph & 100 kmph Max. 
• The life of such converted coach is 30 years from the date of original manufacture. 
• Wider end opening of 2800 mm × 2200 mm. 
• Improved adjustable internal locking and lashing arrangement to avoid damage to the vehicle during transit. 
• The periodicity of POH is 24 months. 

Maintenance Pattern for NMG rakes 

(As per Rly. Bd's Letter No. 91/M (C)/650/1 dated 29.5.2000) 

In order to optimize utilization of NMG rakes it has been decided to introduce the following maintenance pattern:

NMG rakes may be run on goods pattern with intensive examination at both the ends, following other conditions for enroute detention in case at stabling at road side stations. In case of close circuit runs up to3500 km, the rake may be run on round trip basis. Close circuit rake must be clearly identified and should have a nominated base depot where adequate trained staff and spares should be available. Each NMG coach should be marked with the nominated POH workshop and return date. The maintenance 73 schedules of the NMG coaches will continue to be on the coaching pattern to be carried out by the base depot. Using these coaches as parcel vans for running on piecemeal basis on passenger carrying trains is strictly prohibited. Each coach should be stencilled at a suitable place on its end panel, the code of the base depot and a schedule chart. The date and station code of the depot where a particular schedule is carried out should be stencilled at the appropriate place in the schedule chart immediately when the schedule is completed. 

Also See

C & W (Carriage & Wagon) 
Study Material & Question Bank

ICF COACHES - SAFETY & AMENITY FITTINGS

SAFETY & AMENITY FITTINGS 

The fittings which are fitted in the coach for safety of passengers & their luggage are called as “Safety Fittings“. The fittings which are provided inside the coach for comfort, Luxury and also for non-strenuous journey of the passengers are called as “Amenity Fittings“. 

Following are some of the Safety fittings provided in the coaches: 

Alarm pull chain, Internal latches on top & bottom on body side doors, Provision of pad locking arrangement from outside of body side door, Internal latch and tower bolt for compartment doors in first class, Vestibule doors/shutters with locking arrangement, Latches for window shutters, Fire extinguishers, Safety bars on all window openings, Window shutters both glass and louver, Sealed window glass for AC coaches, Frosted glass shutters for toilets. 

ICF Coach - WASHING AND CLEANING OF COACHES:

 WASHING AND CLEANING OF COACHES: 

Wherever washable aprons are available on the platforms, the time available before the terminating trains are pulled out from platform and backed to the pit line/yard, should be utilized for inside sweeping and toilet cleaning.

External Cleaning / Washing 

• Place the rake/coaches on the washing pit provided with equipment's required for washing and cleaning. It should be ensured that the rake/coach is protected with proper board/signal for safety of the staff working and to prevent 59 movement/disturbance in the activity. Scotch blocks with locking arrangement should be used to protect lines and keys should be kept with SSE(C&W) till the time rake is under maintenance. 

ICF COACHES - EXAMINATION OF TRAINS

EXAMINATION OF TRAINS 

Ref: IRCA Rule Book Part – IV (Ch. 3) 

 Rolling In Examination: There are certain types of defects in rolling stock which can only be detected during the motion of train. To detect such type of defects, rolling in examination is adopted. This examination is carried out on all pass through trains and terminating trains. To carry out Rolling in examination, C & W staff and supervisor will take position on both sides of platform / line in which train is being received. 

ICF COACHES - Trip Schedule

Trip Schedule: 

Trip schedule attention is given after completion of every trip. It has to be attended both by primary and secondary depots. The coach need not be detached from the rake during trip schedule attention. 

Following items are given attention during the trip schedule: