Meet Train 18's 'little sister': Indian Railways' new EMU undergoes trial; Check details

After Train 18, which is considered to be the Indian Railways biggest achievement towards building trains by themselves, Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, is now reportedly building a new electric train with higher passenger capacity.

The new Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU)is designed on the same line of Train 18, the country's first engine-less train. ICF is now fixing all the electrical items powering the train under the compartment. The new train journey is expected to be smoother and more comfortable.

"The new train could be said as the little sister for Train 18 or that is now undergoing trials," IANS quoted ICF General Manager S Mani as telling. The train will reportedly cater to short-distance inter-city day travel. Mani said at present EMUs are propelled by conventional direct current (DC) traction system.

The train is more modern, maintenance-friendly and energy efficient. ICF started building the new EMUs in 2018 only. This train will be able to run at a maximum speed of 130 kmph. The prototype of the train has been made by ICF at a cost of Rs 26 crore. The technology of Train 18 will now be applied to other electric trains too.

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Train 18's modern bogies improve performance. Train 18 recently hit the speed of 180 kmph on Mumbai-Delhi stretch during a trial run. The brake system contains wheel mounted disc brakes and regeneration brakes for effective and quicker braking, Mani said.

Current MEMUs have a capacity of 2,402 passengers and the capacity will be increased by 9 percent now. The new train will be able to carry 2,618 passengers. Mani said the new design under-slung EMU rake would be ready for flag off by December 15, 2018.

ICF requested Railway Board to allot this rake to Southern Railway, he said. This would enable easier monitoring performance, Mani added.

Features of the new train:

1. The  Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) or electric train will have regenerative braking which saves about 35 percent energy.

2. The train has stainless steel coach body.

3. It will have air-conditioned driver cabs and ergonomic driver desk.

4. The EMU has aerodynamically-shaped stainless steel driving end nose.