Running like a wind! Beating its own speed limit, Train 18 becomes the fastest train in India

Chennai, December 3: The much talked about, India's first locomotive-less train or Train 18 on Sunday crossed the 180 kmph speed limit during a test run. In the process, when the Rs. 100 crore indigenously designed train has become the country's fastest train.


Speaking to the media about the new achievement, Manager of Integral Coach Factory (ICF), S. Mani said, "Train 18 breached the 180 kmph speed limit in the Kota-Sawai Madhopur section. 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. We expect Train 18 to commence its commercial run from January 2019. Normally the trials take three months. But now it is happening faster than expected," he added.

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 that the rest of Indian Railways' system such as tracks and signals permit.
Talking about rolling out a sleeper version of Train 18, ICF Manager said that they are intending on roll out sleeper coaches as well. No major modifications to the train would be needed for that. The ICF has planned to roll out one more Train 18 this fiscal and four by the next fiscal.
On October 29, the high-tech, energy-efficient, self-propelled (engine-less) train was flagged off here by Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani. With 16 coaches, the train will have the same passenger carrying capacity as that of the Shatabdi Express.
Train 18 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.