Train 18 breaches 180 km/h speed limit

India took yet another baby step towards faster rail connectivity as the indigenous engine-less Train 18 breached the 180 km/h speed limit during a test run on December 2.

Once operational, it will become the country’s fastest train, a title now held by Gatimaan Express, which has a top speed of 160 km/h.

“Train 18 breached the 180 km/h 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,” Integral Coach Factory (ICF) general manager S Mani told PTI.

“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.

Chennai-based ICF manufactured Train 18 at a cost of Rs 100 crore. If things go according to plan, it will replace the Shatabdi Express.

Train 18 is capable of touching 200 km/h provided the rest of the railways’ system such as tracks and signals permit, officials said.

The ICF will roll out one more Train 18 this fiscal and four by the next fiscal.

With 16 coaches, the train will have the same passenger carrying capacity as that of the Shatabdi Express. It has aerodynamically designed driver cabins at both ends for quicker turnaround at destinations.

Train 18 also sports an advanced regenerative braking system that 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, officials said.