* Advantages of LHB coach - higher speed (200kmph), longer life, lesser weight, lesser haulage cost, better riding characteristics, anti telescopic anti-climbing features so safer and lesser casualties in event of accident.
* But cost of LHB cost is also more which is offset by its longer life & longer length. So over all LHB appears cost effective.
* But there is one factor which tilt the scale in favour of ICF coach (from cost point of view), that is LHB coaches are not SG and LHB train need 2 generator cars which...
more... means reduction of 2.25 ICF coaches, and in addition a large quantity of diesel is burnt which is a costly as well as a polluting affair.
* The need of the hour is to have LHB train set configuration with arrangement to take cater the hotel load (AC,Light. Fan etc) from Over Head Electric Conductors so that advantages of better riding quality, safety, speed are retained without the disadvantages of power cars. In this case overall cost of LHB shall be lesser than ICF coaches. Alternatively SG version of LHB need to be developed.