In a moment of pride for India in general and Chennai in particular, it has been announced that the Indian Railways will export the first, state-of-the-art, swanky and modern Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMU) train rake to Sri Lanka in a week, while it was also revealed that orders are expected from Bangladesh soon. According to officials from Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, there are many first-time features in the new DEMU coaches to make them contemporary and on a par with Metro trains.
The new features include plush interiors, GPS-based passenger information system in all coaches, halogen-free rubber flooring, individually revolving seats and individual audio controls for AC class passengers. The DEMU rake is powered by a 1,800 HP onboard engine and has a newly-designed, stainless steel, aerodynamic front end to reduce drag at high speeds. Each DEMU rake consists of 13 cars in a combination of two driving power cars with economy class seating, two driving trailer cars with economy class seating, two air-conditioned chair cars with rotatable seats, two business class chair cars and five economy class coaches.
No doubt, this is a major achievement by the ICF and this is a big boost to the ‘Make in India’ movement as well. Besides catering to our own needs, the State-run organisation is effectively serving the railways of foreign nations as well. The momentum should be maintained and ICF should emerge as the world’s top coach-making factory, bringing more pride to the city.