The project on Modular Toilet Unit
in FRP was taken up at Industrial Design Centre &
Department of Aerospace Engineering of Indian Institute
of Technology Bombay for Indian Railways. The project
was supported by the Advance Composite Mission, Department
of Science & Technology, Government of India. Hindustan
Fibre Glass Works, Vadodara, made the prototypes with
design and technology support from IIT Bombay.
Features and Advantages:
Factory built, prefabricated product,
'ready to assemble' in A/C Coaches (manufactured by
Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and Rail
Coach Factory, Kaputhala, Punjab)
Unit consists of 5 modules
Can be erected in 3-4 hours
3 variations made to suit requirements
of different types of coaches: include three oriental
types WCs, one Western Type WC & 2 Units of Outside
Panel with wash basin.
All plumbing and electrical wiring
concealed
Indian style WC specially designed
with ergonomic features for maximum comfort
Good aesthetics and ergonomics
the running theme throughout the design process
Visual clutter due to leakage,
visible plumbing, loose wiring, rusting elements avoided
to make the unit a clean & hygienic place for
use.
Modern efficient image given by
choosing right materials, form, colour & finishes
Many innovative ideas incorporated
to enhance the aesthetic, convenience & safety
IIT Bombay received a Certificate
of Merit from the Consultancy Development Centre (DSIR)
for excellence in consultancy services for the project
on 'Design of Modular Toilet Unit for Railway Coaches'
for the year 2001.
After a trial run in 2-tier air conditioned
coaches of the Rajdhani Express, the units were transferred
to the Indian Railways. Air-conditioned coaches made
at the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai now employ these
units.
Source:
Industrial Design Centre
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Powai Mumbai 400 076
