Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha that advanced LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches, introduced by Indian Railways in 1999-2000, feature center buffer couplers that enable automatic coupling without manual intervention. The statement was made in response to questions from MPs Priyanka Chaturvedi and Derek O'Brien regarding safety measures after a railway employee's fatal accident during a manual decoupling operation.

The Minister explained that older ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches, designed in the 1960s, rely on screw couplers and side buffers, requiring manual intervention. In contrast, LHB coaches eliminate this risk. Indian Railways has been replacing ICF coaches with LHB models in a phased manner. From 2014 to 2024, 36,933 LHB coaches were manufactured, compared to just 2,337 in the previous decade.

Vaishnaw also highlighted the development of advanced semi-automatic couplers for Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains, enabling automated coupling without manual involvement.

To further enhance safety, the railways conduct induction and refresher training for field staff and enforce strict hand signalling protocols during coupling, uncoupling, and shunting operations to minimise accidents. The measures aim to address safety concerns while modernising India's railway infrastructure.

(ET)