Train 18 set to get a rival? At 160 kmph, this 'new' Indian Railways train is luxury defined

The indigenously manufactured Train 18 has already completed its medium speed trial and has even reached Kota for the high-speed trial. Though the train is capable of running at 200kmph, it will be certified for 160kmph operational capability. It managed to reach 115 kmph speed yesterday and gradually it will be ramped up to 160 kmph. The high-speed trials will be done between Kota and Sawai Madhopur. Train 18 is expected to become the fastest train in India! However, it seems Indian railways is set to roll out its rival too soon!

Yes, Train 18 is all set to get a competitor and that too from the stable of the Integral Coach Factory. However, the competitor is not a new train. It will be a new rake of the spectacular new train Tejas Express.

Indian Railways currently runs Tejas Express on Mumbai-Karmali route and has planned to run it on Delhi-Chandigarh and Delhi-Lucknow routes. Though much like Train 18, the Tejas Express is capable of running at the top speed of 200 kmph, its present operational speed is between 110 kmph and 130 kmph.

Watch This Zee Business Video

However, the ICF is building a new rake for Tejas with enhanced facilities. The new rake will have all equipment slung under the coach, thereby  creating more space onboard the train. The other improvements in the rake include sleek and efficient air-conditioning system, wide gangways and higher acceleration. The new changes will allow the train to travel at the speed of 160 kmph easily.

A senior ICF official told ZeeBiz.Com that the work is in progress and they expect to roll out the rake by December 31. 

Tejas Express is Indian Railways' premier class train and boasts of state-of-the-art features at par with aircraft. The semi-high speed train is among the fastest trains in India. Some of its features are:

Check out the features of Tejas Express:
* Onboard WiFi
* Remote-controlled Venetian windows
* Touchless water taps, soap dispenser
* Marble finish anti-graffiti coating
* Hand dryers
* Automatic entrance plug type doors
* Secured gangways (reduce sound levels, dirt, sand, water ingress, increase passenger safety & Comfort, energy efficiency, elegant design)
* Electro-pneumatic air brakes for enhanced safety
* Fire & smoke detection and suppression system
* CCTV cameras, GPS based passenger information system
* Berth reading light
* Provided with USB charging facility
* Magazines, Tea and Coffee vending machines, Snack tables