INTRODUCTION OF AIR BRAKE SYSTEM ON RAILWAYS
Indian Railways
have introduced air brake system in 19,000 coaches and 1,27,400
units of freight wagons, out of existing 44,000 coaching vehicles
and 2.16 lakh wagons and 7,700 locomotives.
Air brake
system is more reliable than vacuum brake system. It facilitates
achieving lower braking distances and is most effective and, therefore,
a milestone in improving safety standards on the railways.
Hundred per
cent of new rolling stock is now fitted with air brake system.
Older coaches
too are being retrofitted during their periodic overhauling. About
70 per cent of the existing coaches have, so far, been fitted
with air braking system.
