Indian Railways makes history, unveils Train 18, India's first engine-less train; check mesmerising photos
Yet another major milestone has been achieved by Indian Railways on Monday in Chennai and it is a proud moment for the country. It rolled out for the media, India's first engine-less train, the spectacular Train 18. It was green flagged by Ashwani Lohani, Chairman of the Railway Board at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF). This train is capable of running at a maximum speed of 160 kmph, and has been created with the intention of replacing the very popular Shatabdi Express for inter-city travel. Shatabdi trains were introduced in 1988 and run on over 20 routes.
Train 18: The 16-coach semi-high speed train
Indian Railways Train 18 is a 16-coach semi-high speed train and has been built at a cost of Rs 100 crore per rake and designed for a maximum operating speed of 160 kmph.
Train 18: Aerodynamic driver's cab
Train-18 has two driving trailer coaches with aerodynamic driver's cab on both the ends, enabling quicker turn-around time at destinations. In Pic: Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Loahni inspecting the driver's cabin.
Train 18: Two executive compartments
Indian Railways Train 18 would have two executive compartments in the middle with 52 seats each, whereas trailer coaches would have 78 seats each.
Train 18: 15 Per Cent Less Journey Time
The 16-coach train will cut journey time by 15 percent compared to the 30-year old Shatabdi. The train is fitted with CCTV cameras.
Train 18: Diffused LED Lights
Indian Railways Train 18 has diffused lighting, automatic doors and footsteps besides GPS-based passenger information system.
Train 18: More Onboard Space
All the equipment in the Train 18 are below the chassis of the coaches leaving the complete on board space for passenger movement.
Train 18: Integrated Bridge Plates
All Train 18 coaches are connected by fully sealed gangways with integrated bridge plates, where passenger can walk across freely. The train toilet is fitted with auto-sensor taps.
Train 18: Trial in November
No, you cannot travel on Train 18 as yet, even though it has been unveiled. The reason is that it is still to go for trials, which will happen in the coming months. In pic: Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani during the flaggin off of the Train 18.
Train 18: Pride of India
It is a matter of pride that India has made such a train and that too, the ICF has done it within 18 months, Lohani said.
Train 18: Matter of Pride
It is a matter of pride that India has made such a train and that too, the ICF has done it within 18 months, Lohani said.
Train 18: Faster Acceleration
Every alternative coach of Indian Railways Train 18 is motorised to ensure that smooth distribution of power and faster acceleration/deceleration.
Train 18: Integrated bridge plates
All the coaches of the engineless Train 18 are connected by fully sealed gangways with integrated bridge plates where passenger can walk freely.
Train 20: The Rajdhani Express Killer
Going forward into the future, things are set to get even better! Indian Railways will now focus on Train 20 - the next generation aluminium-bodied sleeper class trains that will replace the Rajdhani Express trains. It is expected to be rolled out by 2020.