A major train accident occurred in Jharkhand on Tuesday, July 31, 2024, involving the Howrah-Mumbai Mail Express. The train derailed between Rajkharsawan and Barabambo stations under the Chakradharpur railway division, resulting in the death of two passengers and injuries to several others. The accident involved an ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coach,...
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which is known for its susceptibility to damage and increased vibrations during travel. The ICF coach is also known to be noisier than the LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coach and has a lower seating capacity. In contrast, LHB coaches are more comfortable and safer, with a higher seating capacity, less noise, and a higher level of protection in case of accidents. The LHB coaches are also designed to remain upright in case of collisions, reducing the risk of stacking. The incident prompted a visit to the accident site and the railway hospital by the Jharkhand Health Minister, Banna Gupta, along with other officials. The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, directed officials to provide all necessary assistance to the railway authorities and expressed concerns about the frequent accidents. The railway authorities announced compensation of INR 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and INR 1 lakh for seriously injured passengers. The incident highlights the need for improvements in railway safety and the potential benefits of adopting LHB coaches on a larger scale.