From childhood vacations and school trips to daily commutes and cross-state journeys, trains have always been more than just a mode of transport in India—they’re a part of our life stories. Indian Railways has played a steady role in these moments, ensuring that millions reach their destinations safely, comfortably and on time. One of the key reasons behind this trust is the constant effort to improve rail safety and performance. And a vital part of that effort lies in how the braking systems have evolved over time.
For decades, Indian trains relied on the single-pipe brake system. In this setup, a single pipe runs through the length of the train, supplying compressed air to apply and release the brakes. While reliable for simpler trains running shorter routes, this system showed limitations with longer, heavier, and faster trains. Slower recharge times meant delayed braking response—posing safety, speed and efficiency concerns.
Recognising the need to modernise, Indian Railways officially mandated twin pipe brake retrofitment in all wagons starting February 1, 2021 (source- https://rskr.irimee.in/forum/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TWIN-PIPE-D.pdf). This move aligned with the broader goals of Mission Raftaar, a national initiative aimed at increasing the average speed of freight trains to 50 km/h.
So, what’s different in the twin pipe system?
Instead of one pipe doing all the work, the twin pipe system uses two separate pipes—one for brake control and another for rapid recharging. This allows quicker, more reliable braking, especially important for high-speed and heavy-haul operations. In simpler terms: faster brake response equals safer and more efficient journeys, that too at a higher speed.
At Lalbaba, we’re proud to be part of this transformational drive of Indian Railways by executing large-scale twin pipe conversion & upgrade work across multiple railway sites and workshops. Our specialized team is engaged in retro fitment of both LHB coaches and freight wagons with advanced twin pipe air brake systems, in line with the latest rail safety regulations. With deep expertise in railway component manufacturing, brake system modernization and rolling stock upgrades, Lalbaba is playing a key role in enhancing the safety, speed, and efficiency of India’s rail network, giving motion to the nation’s progress.
