India’s First Engine-Less Train To Be Flagged By PM On December 29 between New Delhi-Varanasi
India’s long wait for world-class fast trains may end by the end of 2018. Train 18 is being referred to as a successor to the Shatabdi Express. According to the report by Indo-Asian News Service (IANS); Train 18 sped up to 180 kmph between Kota junction and Kurlasi station during a trial conducted on Sunday i.e. December 2.
There are no major faults in the train. So, the Train 18 will launch on December 29 between New Delhi and Varanasi by PM Narendra Modi.
Christmas Day happens to be the birthday of late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and it would be a tribute if they manage to launch the next-generation train on that day, reported the agency. But now, there is a slight change in the launch of the train 18. The train is expected to start from New Delhi station at 6 am and reach Varanasi, at 2 pm. While returning, the train will start at 2:30 pm and reach the national capital at 10:30 pm.
Train 18 Features And Facilities
The first engine-less train is aerodynamically designed with driver cabins at both the ends. It will help in quick turn-around at destinations. The train has been designed with the regenerative braking system to save power.
It is the full-AC train with 16 coaches which consists of automatic doors with retractable footsteps, Onboard Wi-Fi and infotainment, Modular toilets with bio-vacuum systems, CCTV in all coaches for safe and secure travel, Roller blinds + diffused LED lighting, Emergency talk-back units etc.
There are two executive compartments in the train which consists of 52 seats each and trailer coaches will have 78 seats each. There are rotating seats in executive class to match the direction of the train. It will provide the amenities like onboard WiFi to a GPS-based passenger information system, touch-free bio-vacuum toilets, LED lighting, mobile charging points, and a climate control system that adjusts the temperature according to occupancy and weather.
Railway Minister, Piyush Goyal has recently asked ICF to build four more similar rakes in the current financial year, after the success of Train 18 during trials.
Train 18 Speed & Fares
During the test run, it crossed the 180 kmph. But it will be allowed to run at a maximum speed of 160 kmph in its commercial operations.
Fares for the train are likely to be higher than the normal fare because of the input cost of the Rs.100 crore train is high. The decision is yet to be taken though.
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