Action in need for speed! Make in India’s ‘Train 18’ swiftly cruises in officially becoming fastest train in India

New Delhi, December 26: Breaching the speed limit of 180 km/hr, Make in India’s Train 18 has broken all records by swiftly becoming the fastest train in India. The Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) gave its clearance to Indian Railways first semi-high speed engine-less train making it officially fastest train. The train is set to hit tracks from December 29 picking its first route of destination from Delhi to Varansi.

The approval given by CCRS is a pre-requisite for any train with new technology to start service. Manufactured by ICF Chennai, Train 18 has been has been undergoing speed and safety trials by RDSO. After receiving clearance by the CCRS, the team has however offered certain recommendations pertaining precautionary measures such as fencing and regular greasing of all the curves on the route.

The new 16 coach fastest train had been under inspection by the CCRS during speed trial between Safdarjung railway station and Agra.

Addressing a letter to the Indian Railways, the CCRS pitched strongly for fencing keeping in mind the speed at which the train runs. It was stated that for speeds beyond 130 kmph and up to 160 kmph, provision for fencing is a must. But to start with, just like the Rajdhani Express service, the Train 18 will be running at a maximum speed of 130 kmph. Once the entire fencing work along the track is complete, the speed of Train 18 will go up to 160 kmph. The fencing is important for 160 kmph speeds in order to prevent trespassing of people or cattle on the railway tracks.

Promising better days for the people of India, Train 18 became the fastest Indian Railways train, hitting speeds of 180 kmph during its trails. The engine-less self-propelled train allows for faster acceleration and deceleration and has new features such as automatic doors with sliding footsteps, fully sealed gangways and disabled-friendly toilets and spaces. The train has been equipped with several world-class facilities including infotainment, bio-vacuum toilets, GPS-based information system, mobile charging points, LED lighting as well as a climate control system that adjusts the temperature according to weather and occupancy.