The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)-Durgapur Steel Plant has supplied the first consignment of 30 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) wheels to the Indian Railways.While the Indian Railways is shifting to LHB coaches from the ICF coaches for improved safety and higher speed, the wheels for LHB coaches are currently being imported. SAIL was initially given an order to supply 1000 LHB wheels by Indian Railways, of which, the first consignment has been dispatched.
These LHB wheels have unique web profile with metallurgical properties and are specially designed to befit the high speed movement on broad gauge. These wheels are developed with the help from Research Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO) of the Indian Railways and the Wheel and Axle Plant of DSP. They have pneumatic disc brake system for efficient braking at higher speeds, reducing the impact during accidents or emergency situations. Chairman SAIL commented, “Our entire focus is to begin the supply of this advanced LHB wheels so that the requirement of Indian Railways can be fulfilled domestically. I believe that meeting the entire requirement of LHB wheels domestically, will reduce the imports and also help in saving foreign exchange”