The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
PUNE, JULY 26, 2023
Pinnacle Industries, India’s leading manufacturer of automotive interiors, seating systems & EV components & specialty vehicles, has proudly announced the introduction of advanced seating systems for select Vande Bharat Express trains by Indian Railways. With their unrivaled knowledge and expertise in the commercial automotive seating, interiors, and components industry, Pinnacle’s railway seating division specializes in the designing, engineering, and manufacturing of certified rail seating in India that meets global safety and comfort standards.
The company also announced that it would showcase its multiple products and technology for railways at the upcoming 15th edition of the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) from 12 – 14 October 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
IREE is Asia’s largest showcase for the Rail Transportation Sector, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.
The comprehensive range of new seating systems from Pinnacle Industries includes Economy, Executive, Tip-Up, and Folding Seats, engineered to deliver unparalleled comfort, safety, and seamlessness during train journeys. The Economy Seats have been intelligently designed to cater to different seating capacities, offering single-seater, two-seater, and three-seater options. Passenger convenience remains a priority, with each occupant provided with modular-type charging units, allowing them to stay connected and charged throughout their journey. Moreover, the ergonomically designed seat foam profile ensures proper support and comfort during travel, with careful consideration of pressure mapping to enhance the seating experience.
The Executive Seats, designed to provide a premium experience, incorporate a range of innovative features for enhanced passenger comfort and flexibility. Notably, passengers can enjoy the luxury of a 180-degree rotating seat, offering the ability to adjust their seating position according to their preference, be it for relaxation, socializing, or work during their journey. The seat rotation can be conveniently locked or unlocked at 90 degrees using a pedal mechanism for added safety and ease of use. To further ensure passenger convenience, a sideways sunken grab handle has been thoughtfully integrated into the seat design. Additionally, a passenger-friendly footrest with 3 adjustable stops offers personalized leg support during travel, enhancing overall comfort. The Executive Seats are equipped with Wago connector components, enabling easy electrical connections for various amenities. Each occupant is also provided with a modular type charging unit, ensuring they can stay connected and powered throughout the journey.
For added practicality, the side armrests of the Executive Seats are foldable, allowing easy movement between seats. Moreover, the middle armrest features a sunken snack tray, providing passengers with additional functional space. To prioritize optimal lumbar support and comfort, the seat foam profile is ergonomically designed, considering pressure mapping for a more pleasant and relaxing travel experience. Furthermore, the electrical harness of the Executive Seats is enclosed and routed through aluminum sections of the seats, ensuring secure and efficient electrical connections, adding to the overall safety and reliability of the seating system.
To optimize space efficiency, tip-up seats and folding seats are also integrated which are perfect for areas where flexibility and multi-purpose usage are crucial. Passengers can easily fold them when not in use, creating additional space for passengers or luggage.
All the seating options are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity. Seats are constructed with Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP), a remarkable material known for its exceptional corrosion resistance and cost-effectiveness in maintenance. Notably, these seats fully conform to the European standard for fire-retardant properties, ensuring an elevated level of safety for passengers.
Pinnacle Industries Chairman & Managing Director Dr. Sudhir Mehta expressed his enthusiasm about this significant development, stating, “We are thrilled to unveil our advanced seating solution for Vande Bharat trains in India. This significant development not only reinforces our unwavering dedication to creating and delivering products that prioritize passenger safety, comfort, and aesthetic appeal, but also highlights our optimism in designing and manufacturing innovative, cost-effective, and durable world-class products for the railway industry and beyond. We recognize the immense growth potential of the railway sector, both in India and globally. As new-age, high-speed trains gain prominence, the demand for safer, more comfortable, and visually appealing seats becomes paramount. With each product we bring to the market, we strive to meet these expectations. We believe that this new seating system will provide an enhanced and enjoyable travel experience for passengers, setting new benchmarks in the industry.”
“We are deeply grateful to the Indian Railways & Integral Coach Factory for entrusting Pinnacle Industries, a proud Indian company with the railway seating business, an industry typically dominated by established institutional or international players. This opportunity drives us to work harder and continue delivering exceptional seating solutions that surpass expectations and contribute to the growth and success of the Indian Railways,” he added.
Pinnacle Industries President Arihant Mehta said, “We are proud to be at the forefront of transforming India’s travel landscape by introducing cutting-edge seating solutions for Vande Bharat trains. With our relentless commitment to innovation, quality, and passenger-centric design, we have collaborated closely with renowned designers and engineers to develop these advanced seating systems. With our decades of expertise and proven track record in delivering exceptional transportation solutions, we are confident that these seating systems will redefine the travel experience for passengers, establishing new industry benchmarks for safety, comfort, and convenience. Our primary goal is to not only meet but exceed the expectations of travelers, ensuring an enjoyable and seamless journey for all. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of technological and design excellence, continuously striving to enhance passenger comfort and elevate industry standards.”
The advanced seating systems from Pinnacle Industries incorporate state-of-the-art safety features, including the cushion foam used for the seats which complies with EN45545-2 HL2 standards and is wrapped with fire-retardant cloth, providing a higher level of fire safety for passengers, ergonomic seat belts. Additionally, the seats are designed to optimize space utilization and offer convenient amenities, such as ample storage, charging ports, and adjustable headrests, contributing to a seamless and enjoyable journey.
