Train-18 All Set For Its First Trial Run Week, Here Are The Intra-Day Shatabdi Routes It Will Take

A train that is self-propelled and which does not require an engine for its movement is all set to go for its first trial run in a week, as reported by the Times Of India (TOI). According to the General Manager of Integral Coach Factory (Chennai), Sudhanshu Mani, this is one of the first trains that is conceptualised, designed and manufactured entirely in India. The aerodynamics of the train is similar to a bullet train.

The train, known as Train-18, is built at the cost of Rs. 100 crore. However, as more orders come in, the prices are expected to reduce. This first-of-its-kind train for the Indian Railways was built in a record time of 20 months.

Train-18 would be used on short intra-day Shatabdi routes like Delhi-Bhopal, Chennai-Bengaluru and Mumbai-Ahmedabad. It is expected to cut travel time by around 10-15 per cent. To ensure maximum power-efficiency, the train will come fitted with LED lights and reach top speeds of upto 160 kmph.

The acceleration of the train will be much better due to 50 per cent higher power than existing trains and smart braking system that has been imported from Hungary. The smart braking system consists of regenerative and electro-pneumatic braking.

Other amenities on the train will include fully rotatable chairs in the executive class, automatic sliding doors, luggage racks in all coaches and large glass windows with concealed roller blinders.