The Hindu : Other States / Pondicherry News : ICF rolls out new diesel units

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Saturday, Jul 03, 2004

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Other States - Pondicherry

ICF rolls out new diesel units

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, JULY 2. South Central Railway will use the aerodynamically designed and indigenously manufactured diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Perambur.

R. Velu, Union Minister of State for Railways, speaking to journalists after flagging off the new units at the ICF premises, said the new trains, built at a cost of Rs. 7 crores, would be used in the suburban sectors of the South Central Railway network.

The DEMU comprises two driving power cars — one in the front and one in the rear and six trailer cars. The power cars will have a seating-cum-standing capacity of 54 and 72 respectively; the trailer cars have a seating capacity of 84 along with space for 240 standing passengers.

Mr. Velu said the coach factory was outsourcing about 10 per cent of its requirements. This would be done only when the product could not be manufactured at the factory and would continue as long as it was cost-effective. He also announced an incentive of Rs. 8 lakhs for ICF employees for designing and manufacturing the aerodynamic DEMU.

Earlier in the day, the Minister flagged off the last metre gauge electric multiple unit from the Egmore station. ``As a student I used to travel by the suburban service to reach college and hence it is nostalgic for me too,'' he said.

Colourfully painted and gaily decorated, the EMU train attracted the attention of everyone and many people were seen photographing it. In one of the compartments, a music troupe was rendering popular songs.

In a brief interaction with journalists after the farewell function, the Minister said there were no money constraints for gauge conversion work in the Egmore-Tambaram section. It would be completed within four months.

The Metropolitan Transport Corporation has agreed to operate adequate bus services from Tambaram to Egmore to help the public. The Egmore station would get another entry point from EVR Periyar High Road after the gauge conversion work ends and all stations in the Tambaram-Egmore section would be beautified, he said.

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