M A I N   N E W S

First fireproof coach set to roll
Varinder Singh
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 20
Keeping in view the increase in incidents of train fire, the Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, has come out with India’s first fireproof coach. It will be flagged off by the Railway Minister Nitish Kumar tomorrow.

The coach is fireproof and has a smoke sensor that would alert passengers with a powerful alarm in case of a fire.

The RCF, according to Mr M. Sirajuddin, its General Manager, had taken up the challenging task of developing the coach after being directed to do so by the Railway Board. “New design concepts have been incorporated to eliminate the chances of a fire after a detailed study,” he said.

PVC coated galvanised iron sheet has been used for panelling the side wall, ceiling and the partition frame. Windows have been made up of fireproof aluminium and the seats and luggage racks of fireproof stainless steel. Plywood floor boards have been replaced with aluminum honeycomb floor and a 31 mm thick rock and ceramic wool has been used in the ceiling for insulation. It could withstand a temperature of up to 900°C.

“Halogen free, non-toxic and fire retardant electron beam cables have been provided, besides fire-retardant polymide flexible conduits and fittings have been used extensively,” he said.

Axial inlet, radial outlet fans have been used which would switch off automatically in case of a fire. This intern would help get rid of toxic gases. In addition to this, solenoid valve in the air brake circuit would operate automatically on the detection of smoke and drop brake pressure, halting the train.

Apart from four emergency windows, two fire extinguishers have also been provided in each coach, an RCF spokesperson said, adding that window bars in lavatories had been done away with making escape easier in case of an emergency.