RCF Kapurthala to conduct final trials of new design Panoramic Narrow Gauge coaches for Kalka-Shimla Railway

KAPURTHALA: Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, which was entrusted with the project for modernisation of the rolling stock for the Kalka-Shimla Narrow Gauge Railway, which has UNESCO World Heritage Status, is set to carry out final trials after the successful completion of oscillation trials in December 2022.


These coaches will have panoramic wider view window design so that the passengers can experience the beauty of the mountains and valleys. According to a RCF spokesperson, these coaches have a light weight shell with upgraded bogies and improved brake system. RCF will be producing 30 such coaches.

The coaches will also be equipped with modern safety features like CCTVs and fire alarms, besides aesthetic plush interiors equipped with noise and vibration proofing, Anti UV coated window glasses, power windows in upper classes, Powered doors and quite a few other features.

Fully furnished coaches of all four variants (AC Executive Chair Car, AC Chair Car, Non-AC Chair Car and Power cum Luggage Coach) will undergo detailed oscillation trials by Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) Lucknow.

"This project posed significant challenges as there was no digital data for modeling of narrow-gauge tracks for development and verification of coach designs. The RCF Design team worked to recreate the required design inputs using the experience garnered over years of developing rolling stock designs for IR Broad Gauge system. 3D models were created by RCF Design team by using the old blue print and sketches available at Kalka workshop," said the spokesperson.