India’s first locomotive-less train, known as Train 18, breached the 180 kmph speed limit during a test run. According to a senior railway official, when this Rs 100-crore indigenously designed train is made operational, it will become the country’s fastest train.
- Train 18 breached the 180 kmph speed limit in the Kota-Sawai Madhopur section.
- Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has manufactured the train.
- The major trials are now over, with just some more remaining.
- Based on the reports, fine tuning would be done if needed.
- As of now no major technical problem has cropped up.
- The train is expected to commence its commercial run from January 2019.
- If all things go well, Train 18 will replace the current Shatabdi Express – a day train.
- Train 18 is capable of touching 200 kmph provided the rest of Indian Railways’ system such as tracks and signals permit.
- With 16 coaches, the train will have the same passenger carrying capacity as that of the Shatabdi Express.
- It has aerodynamically designed driver cabins at both ends for quicker turn-around at destinations.
- The train sports an advanced regenerative braking system which saves power.
- The fully air-conditioned train offers better passenger comfort and safety, as all equipment are fixed under the carriage, so that more space is available on board.
