What are ICF and LHB coaches? Major differences

ICF stands for Integral Coach factory situated in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Started on 2nd October 1955, manufacture train coaches for Indian Railways. This is the oldest coach-making factory in independent India. 

LHB started its plant in the 2000s at Kapurthala, Punjab. Develops modern coaches made of mild steel for Indian Railways. LHB stands for Linke Hofmann Busch and is a German manufacturer. 

LHB coaches are better than ICF coaches in the following ways:

1. The ICF coaches use old technology and are made of stainless steel, which makes them heavier. Whereas the LHB uses mild steel to develop those, making their coaches lighter.
2. The most important mechanism is the brakes, the efficient they are, the safer it becomes. ICF uses air brakes that have a low braking potential and hence travel a larger distance. Whereas LHB uses a disc brake system that is more efficient with greater braking potential that can be brought to rest within a short distance at the time of emergency.
3. When such a heavy vehicle moves it produces a huge amount of noise the ICF coaches produce around 80 to 100 dB (decibel) of noise whereas the LHB stands at a maximum of 60 dB (decibel).
4. Suspensions play a very important role. The LHB coaches come with a double suspension system, the secondary being a hydraulic one. Moreover, the LHB has a set of suspension mechanisms to prevent sideward jerks. Whereas the ICF features only coil spring suspension system. The sideward jerk resistive mechanism is absent.
5. Each coach has its maximum speed limit the old ICF coaches have a speed limit of 160 kmph whereas it was operated at 120 kmph only. The LHB extends this limit to 200 kmph though it is operated at 160 kmph.
6. The ICF coaches can generate electricity from the dynamo present in the wheel to supply to the coaches. This mechanism reduces the speed potential of the train. Whereas the LHB uses an extra generator car that produces and supplies electricity to the coaches.