Lucknow: The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) have successfully conducted a full-scale crashworthiness test of two Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, a study aimed at generating critical data to strengthen the design and safety of future railway coaches.The test was carried out on Wednesday at RDSO’s dedicated crash test facility in Lucknow. It involved an LSLRD (Luggage, Guard and Divyangjan) coach and an LWSPP (LHB Wheel Slide Protection Passenger) coach, which were released from a specially designed ramp and allowed to roll freely before colliding with a stationary batten wagon at an impact speed of around 43 to 44 kmph.The coaches were fitted with advanced sensors and instruments to record deformation, impact forces and acceleration levels during collision. High-speed cameras installed by ARAI captured the entire exercise, enabling a detailed analysis of the crash behaviour of the coaches.According to RDSO, the test was conducted to validate crashworthy design features developed by its Carriage Directorate and incorporated into coaches manufactured by the Rail Coach Factory (RCF).Crashworthiness refers to a coach’s ability to absorb collision energy in a controlled manner, limiting damage to passenger areas during accidents.“The findings will provide valuable insights into coach deformation patterns, acceleration levels during collisions and the effectiveness of energy-absorbing safety features. These inputs will help strengthen future coach designs and further enhance passenger safety,” an RDSO spokesperson said.
