Shimla, Feb. 14 -- Northern railway has introduced the first rake of Narrow Gauge coaches equipped with indigenously developed air brake system on the Kalka-Shimla UNESCO World Heritage Railway. In a press statement, the railways said the upgraded rake commenced its inaugural journey on February 13 on train number 52453 Kalka-Shimla Express. "The transition from traditional braking to the modern air brake system marks a technical milestone for the Kalka workshop, where the conversion was executed." Key highlights of the project include in house development as the air brake system was designed and integrated locally, coaches featuring modified bogies and trolleys upgraded to meet rigorous safety standards, essential for the steep gradients and sharp curves of the Himalayan terrain and the new system providing superior braking controllability and efficiency compared to older vacuum brake systems.htc...