10-12-2012, 05:17 PM
EXPORT SILHOUETTE OF THE ICF
EXPORT SILHOUETTE.doc (Size: 199.5 KB / Downloads: 43)
INAUGURATION
The Integral Coach Factory at Chennai is the first of its kind to be established after Independence for the manufacture of light weight, all steel and all welded “Integral” railway passenger coaches. The factory was set up in 1955 with Swiss collaboration.
PRODUCTION
ICF’s initial plan was to produce 350 Broad Gauge Third Class shells (unfurnished body of the Railway Coaches) only, which were to be furnished by the Zonal Railways’ Workshops. Later, in view of the sever limitation of capacity of the Railway Workshops and also ta take advantage of mass production, a separate Furnishing Division was added on 2nd October, 1962. The capacity was progressively expanded from the initial 350 shells to 750 fully furnished coaches per annum by 1973-74 with additional inputs. This was enhanced to 850 coaches during 1986-87.
The production belt was modernised at a cost of Rs.63 Crores with a view to augment production to 1000 coaches per annum.
During 1990-91, against a target of 1000 coaches, ICF turned out 1013 coaches.
DESIGN FEATURES
By design, the roof, side wells, end walls and the underframe are joined together by welding, to form a fully ‘integral’ coach shell. The end-wall construction has been made specially strong to make it anti-telescopic to ensure maximum safety to passengers.
From the basic design handed down by the collaborators, ICF has diversified having established its expertise and skill in this field, to design and manufacture more than 127 different types of coaches for Indian Railways and export market. Every time a new type of coach is launched, emphasis is laid on improving passenger comfort, passenger safety and higher speeds. ICF follows standard inspection procedures to ensure quality from raw material stage to the finished coach.
EXPORT ACHIEVEMENTS
ICF’s achievement on the export front have been enviable since its inception. Against stiff international competition from more advanced countries like Japan, etc., ICF secured several export orders most of which are repeat orders. So far, 359 bogies and 485 coaches including aIRCONditioned coaches have exported to 11 Afro-Asian countries. ICF has bagged a number of awards for Export Excellence also.
Design & Development Efforts
Complementing the existing design capacities and facilities, a fully computerised Design & Development Cell has been set up with sophisticated state-of-the art Computer designing facilities and testing equipments both for coach components and raw materials.
For Better Travel
ICF has carved a niche in the Indian Railway system by constantly improving the ‘quality of travel’ through its passenger coach design which has undergone a sea-change from the days of bye-gone era of mere ‘transport of passengers’. There has been a steady growth both in the quality and quantity of its production.
As a milestone in this endless travel, ICF has obtained the “ISO.9001” certificate for the quality systems from M/s.TUV, Germany. ICF is also on the anvil of implementing the total quality systems management in every sphere of its activity.
All this has been made possible through ICF’s commitment to progress and improvement with its dedicated work force functioning in a contented atmosphere in pleasant surroundings and working conditions. Several welfare schemes like staff quartes, adequate clean water supply, improved medical facilities, encouragement in sports activities, etc., are provided.
EXPORT PERFORMANCE
A total of 466 coaches including AC coaches and special coaches have been exported to 10 Afro-Asian countries. In addition, 11 stainless steel shells have been exported to Malaysian Railways. The exports to various countries, which are likely to import coaches/bogies/spares from India, are handled by RITES & IRCON.