50000th Coach manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai
Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu
releases 50000th Coach manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, a
production unit of Indian Railways. He also dedicates the New LHB Coach
Manufacturing Unit in ICF itself to the nation.
Minister of Railways Shri Suresh
Prabhakar Prabhu released 50000th Coach manufactured by Integral Coach Factory
(ICF), Chennai, a production unit of Indian Railways. Shri Prabhu also
dedicated the New LHB Coach (Modern Passenger Coach) Manufacturing Unit in ICF
itself to the nation at a programme held here today.ICF has achieved the
distinction of being the only coach manufacturer in the World to have
manufactured 50000 coaches. ICF coaches have moved India for the last about 60
years and will continue to do so for many years to come. The programme was
conducted between Rail Bhawan, New Delhi and ICF factory premises Chennai
through Video Conferencing. The persons present on Rail Bhawan side included
Chairman Railway Board Shri A. K. Mital and other Railway Board members. The
persons present on the Chennai side included Shri V. K. Saraswat, Member NITI
Aayog, Shri Hemant Kumar, Member Mechanical, Railway Board, Shri Ashok K.
Agarwal, General Manager, ICF.
Speaking on the occasion, The Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu said that it is a proud moment for Indian Railways when the 50,000th coach manufactured by ICF has been released. He said that when in future we release 1,00,000th coach, we expect it to be the most modern coach going even beyond our present imagination. He said that we need to setup Global Standards in manufacturing rolling stocks. He said that Indian Railway has already signed an MOU with National Institute of Design (NID) to improve internal design of the coaches for better comfort and convenience of the passengers. He said that now dustbins are being provided even in non AC coaches. Regarding LHB coaches, the Minister pointed out that Indian Railways will accelerate production of these modern coaches which have better safety features, higher ride comfort, superior passengers’ amenities and high speed potential. Referring to the quality, The Railway Minister said that there is a need to focus on materials and hence Indian Railways is collaborating with academic institutions like IITs, BHU, Mumbai University etc. to undertake research on these matters and consequently come out with appropriate solutions. Referring to improvement in Loco technology, the Minister said that we should develop triple fuel locos like electricity, Diesel and CNG.The Minister also said that Indian Railways soon will roll out Solar Powered Passengers Coaches.
The Chairman Railway Board Shri A. K. Mital in his address said Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, set up in 1955 ranks amongst industrial temples of modern India. The variety of coaches manufactured by ICF is astounding. It ranges from General second class coaches to latest air-conditioned coaches , air-conditioned EMUs, MEMUs, High Horse power DEMU Train sets etc. One of the current prestigious challenges before it is to produce a 160 kmph AC DEMU train sets which would be upgradable to 200 kmph. First train set is expected in the year 2016-17. Developing new products and ideas has been its strength. ICF is today capable of manufacturing about 1700 coaches a year, putting it amongst the majors in the World. ICF has not only supplied coaches to Indian Railways but also exported to other countries like 20 DEMU stainless steel train sets to Sri Lanka and built a brand for itself.
In his welcome address, Member Mechanical Shri Hemant Kumar said that ICF has produced 50,000 coaches since its inception in 1955 in approximately 500 different designs. ICF has turned out a record outturn of 1704 coaches during the year 2014-15 consisting of 44 variants involving high technological inputs, meticulous planning and execution.
Advisor Mechanical Railway Board Shri G.C. Agarwal, proposed vote of thanks.
ICF is credited with introducing several innovations over the years like provision of Braille signages in the coaches for the benefit of visually challenged persons, provision of CCTV cameras in the coaches, provision of bio-toilets in the coaches etc. ICF is also a fully green coach manufacturer as its entire power requirement is generated by its windmills located in Tuticorin. In fact it has a surplus power balance.
A new LBH manufacturing unit has been established at ICF for a cost of about Rs. 252 Crores to manufacture LHB type stainless steel coaches. This unit is equipped with the most modern machines like Laser cutting and welding machines, Welding robots and fixtures and different types of CNC machines, some of which only exist at this unit in the Country. This unit is a major contribution by Indian Railways in the “Make in India” drive. The new unit has a capacity to manufacture 300 LHB coaches per annum. The first LHB coach was turned out in Sept. 2014 and the plant is now fully stabilized and ready for enhancing its production over coming months. It is planned to completely switch over to LHB type coaches within next four to five years. LHB coaches provide world class features including safety, higher ride comfort and superior passenger amenities. Some major features of LHB coaches are listed below:
• Improved safety through better crashworthiness.
• Provision of Centre Buffer Couplers (CBC) for anti climbing feature.
• Higher Speed Potential as LHB coaches are running at 160 Kmph.
• Better passenger comfort due to improved riding quality.
• Reduction in noise level inside the coach through improved sound insulation.
• Use of environment friendly toilets.
This new unit has now been dedicated to the Nation by Minister for Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu.
Speaking on the occasion, The Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu said that it is a proud moment for Indian Railways when the 50,000th coach manufactured by ICF has been released. He said that when in future we release 1,00,000th coach, we expect it to be the most modern coach going even beyond our present imagination. He said that we need to setup Global Standards in manufacturing rolling stocks. He said that Indian Railway has already signed an MOU with National Institute of Design (NID) to improve internal design of the coaches for better comfort and convenience of the passengers. He said that now dustbins are being provided even in non AC coaches. Regarding LHB coaches, the Minister pointed out that Indian Railways will accelerate production of these modern coaches which have better safety features, higher ride comfort, superior passengers’ amenities and high speed potential. Referring to the quality, The Railway Minister said that there is a need to focus on materials and hence Indian Railways is collaborating with academic institutions like IITs, BHU, Mumbai University etc. to undertake research on these matters and consequently come out with appropriate solutions. Referring to improvement in Loco technology, the Minister said that we should develop triple fuel locos like electricity, Diesel and CNG.The Minister also said that Indian Railways soon will roll out Solar Powered Passengers Coaches.
The Chairman Railway Board Shri A. K. Mital in his address said Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, set up in 1955 ranks amongst industrial temples of modern India. The variety of coaches manufactured by ICF is astounding. It ranges from General second class coaches to latest air-conditioned coaches , air-conditioned EMUs, MEMUs, High Horse power DEMU Train sets etc. One of the current prestigious challenges before it is to produce a 160 kmph AC DEMU train sets which would be upgradable to 200 kmph. First train set is expected in the year 2016-17. Developing new products and ideas has been its strength. ICF is today capable of manufacturing about 1700 coaches a year, putting it amongst the majors in the World. ICF has not only supplied coaches to Indian Railways but also exported to other countries like 20 DEMU stainless steel train sets to Sri Lanka and built a brand for itself.
In his welcome address, Member Mechanical Shri Hemant Kumar said that ICF has produced 50,000 coaches since its inception in 1955 in approximately 500 different designs. ICF has turned out a record outturn of 1704 coaches during the year 2014-15 consisting of 44 variants involving high technological inputs, meticulous planning and execution.
Advisor Mechanical Railway Board Shri G.C. Agarwal, proposed vote of thanks.
ICF is credited with introducing several innovations over the years like provision of Braille signages in the coaches for the benefit of visually challenged persons, provision of CCTV cameras in the coaches, provision of bio-toilets in the coaches etc. ICF is also a fully green coach manufacturer as its entire power requirement is generated by its windmills located in Tuticorin. In fact it has a surplus power balance.
A new LBH manufacturing unit has been established at ICF for a cost of about Rs. 252 Crores to manufacture LHB type stainless steel coaches. This unit is equipped with the most modern machines like Laser cutting and welding machines, Welding robots and fixtures and different types of CNC machines, some of which only exist at this unit in the Country. This unit is a major contribution by Indian Railways in the “Make in India” drive. The new unit has a capacity to manufacture 300 LHB coaches per annum. The first LHB coach was turned out in Sept. 2014 and the plant is now fully stabilized and ready for enhancing its production over coming months. It is planned to completely switch over to LHB type coaches within next four to five years. LHB coaches provide world class features including safety, higher ride comfort and superior passenger amenities. Some major features of LHB coaches are listed below:
• Improved safety through better crashworthiness.
• Provision of Centre Buffer Couplers (CBC) for anti climbing feature.
• Higher Speed Potential as LHB coaches are running at 160 Kmph.
• Better passenger comfort due to improved riding quality.
• Reduction in noise level inside the coach through improved sound insulation.
• Use of environment friendly toilets.
This new unit has now been dedicated to the Nation by Minister for Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu.
*****
DST Conclave 2015, Hyderabad Scientific
Institutions should Refocus their Scientific Pursuit to Realize the Dream of
Prime Minister’s National Dreams of Swasth Bharat, Swatch Bharat & Digital
India- Dr Harsh Vardhan
Union Minister of Science &
Technology and Earth Science Dr Harsh Vardhan, has called upon Scientific
Institutions to refocus their scientific pursuit to realize the dream of Prime
Minister’s national dreams of Swasth Bharat, Swatch Bharat & Digital India.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan was inaugurating a two days Conclave of the Department of
Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, at Hyderabad today. He
said that this conclave is a unique opportunity to introspect sincerely as to
how much we can do to serve humanity by converting knowledge to solutions.
The Conclave has been organized to brainstorm on the achievements of the ministry and also set the future directions for implementing S&T based interventions for meeting the challenges faced by the country. Secretary, DST, Directors/Heads of Statutory Bodies, 21 Autonomous Institutions, Survey of India, National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organisation and Programme Divisions of DST are participating in the conclave.
The minister suggested that the autonomous institutions of the department should actively engage in fulfilling the National Agenda such as Swasth Bharat, Swatch Bharat, Digital India as outlined by the Prime Minister. He appealed to the scientific fraternity to provide their valuable inputs and vision for application of S&T based interventions to achieve global competence, focus on alleviating the sufferings of the common man and develop S&T based approach to fast forward the process of socio-economic development of the country.
In his address Shri Y S Chowdary, Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences flagged some of the challenges faced by the country and called upon Scientists to give a thought for efficient utilization of our huge human resource through proper skilling so that this becomes an asset to the country. He suggested the scientific institutions to work in a network mode and connect R&D with the people. He also suggested the scientific institutions to prepare a blue print of the needs and potentials and come out with actionable programmes.
Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST presented an overview of the recent activities and achievements of the Department. He emphasized the role of DST in promotion of Basic Research on new and emerging areas which had led to the emergence of several new Science Ministries/Departments such as Environment and Forests, New and Renewable Energy, Biotechnology, Scientific and Industrial Research, Earth Sciences. He also mentioned that the autonomous institutions of DST are “Hot-Spots of knowledge” wherein R&D is being cultivated and nurtured in unique areas of science. He informed that over the global average of 4% in scientific publication, India has achieved 13% growth rate during last few years. India has achieved 3rd rank in the world in terms of scientific publications in the area of Nano Science and Technology largely due to efforts of Nano Mission of DST. He also emphasized to evolve mechanisms for faster technology commercialization.
The Conclave has been organized to brainstorm on the achievements of the ministry and also set the future directions for implementing S&T based interventions for meeting the challenges faced by the country. Secretary, DST, Directors/Heads of Statutory Bodies, 21 Autonomous Institutions, Survey of India, National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organisation and Programme Divisions of DST are participating in the conclave.
The minister suggested that the autonomous institutions of the department should actively engage in fulfilling the National Agenda such as Swasth Bharat, Swatch Bharat, Digital India as outlined by the Prime Minister. He appealed to the scientific fraternity to provide their valuable inputs and vision for application of S&T based interventions to achieve global competence, focus on alleviating the sufferings of the common man and develop S&T based approach to fast forward the process of socio-economic development of the country.
In his address Shri Y S Chowdary, Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences flagged some of the challenges faced by the country and called upon Scientists to give a thought for efficient utilization of our huge human resource through proper skilling so that this becomes an asset to the country. He suggested the scientific institutions to work in a network mode and connect R&D with the people. He also suggested the scientific institutions to prepare a blue print of the needs and potentials and come out with actionable programmes.
Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST presented an overview of the recent activities and achievements of the Department. He emphasized the role of DST in promotion of Basic Research on new and emerging areas which had led to the emergence of several new Science Ministries/Departments such as Environment and Forests, New and Renewable Energy, Biotechnology, Scientific and Industrial Research, Earth Sciences. He also mentioned that the autonomous institutions of DST are “Hot-Spots of knowledge” wherein R&D is being cultivated and nurtured in unique areas of science. He informed that over the global average of 4% in scientific publication, India has achieved 13% growth rate during last few years. India has achieved 3rd rank in the world in terms of scientific publications in the area of Nano Science and Technology largely due to efforts of Nano Mission of DST. He also emphasized to evolve mechanisms for faster technology commercialization.
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Tourist helpline will be available in
12 International languages within two months: Dr Mahesh Sharma
The Minister of State for Tourism
(Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr
Mahesh Sharma has said that the Incredible India Tourist Helpline will be
started in 12 International languages within a period of two months to assist
the tourists visiting India. Dr Mahesh Sharma was addressing a workshop on
‘Tourism Image & Impact’jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, CNN
and UNWTO in New Delhi today. The Helpline is currently operational in two languages
ie English and Hindi.
Tourism depends to a large extent on the image of the country and the Ministry is making all efforts to facilitate the tourists to create a favourable impact on tourism, the Minister explained.Dr Mahesh Sharma emphasized that tourism is high on priority of the government and the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has become the biggest ambassador to promote India across the globe.
Dr Mahesh Sharma informed that the government will make e- tourist visa available for 150 countries by March 2016. More than 1.5 lakh people from 76 countries have received e-tourist visa since its introduction in November last year, he added. The Secretary of Union Ministry of Tourism, Dr Lalit K Panwar and senior officials of Ministry of Tourism as well as officials of state tourism departments also participated at the workshop.
Tourism depends to a large extent on the image of the country and the Ministry is making all efforts to facilitate the tourists to create a favourable impact on tourism, the Minister explained.Dr Mahesh Sharma emphasized that tourism is high on priority of the government and the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has become the biggest ambassador to promote India across the globe.
Dr Mahesh Sharma informed that the government will make e- tourist visa available for 150 countries by March 2016. More than 1.5 lakh people from 76 countries have received e-tourist visa since its introduction in November last year, he added. The Secretary of Union Ministry of Tourism, Dr Lalit K Panwar and senior officials of Ministry of Tourism as well as officials of state tourism departments also participated at the workshop.
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