New Delhi, Nov 29 (UNI) Train 18, India's self-propelled train from the production shops of Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, taking forward 'Make in India' initiative of the Narendra Modi government, is undergoing several rounds of trials till it finally hits the tracks for its maiden journey with passengers onboard.
Train 18 is undergoing trials between Moradabad-Jahanabad-Saharanpur section starting from 80 km/hr reaching till 115 km/hr. The trials will continue between this section till this month end, official
sources told UNI here.
The swanky train, which features an aerodynamic nose design on both the ends with air-conditioned
chair-car formation, will undergo second round of trials which will finish by mid-December
between Mathura-Kota section. Here, the speed will be taken till 180 km/hr.
Once the trials finish, a report will be prepared and an approval will be sought from Commission Railway Safety for final clearance.
The Train 18 is sure to elevate the passenger experience of train travel in India to never before levels.
This all air-conditioned chair-car formation is expected to replace the existing Shatabdi Express rakes
for inter-city travel and considerably reduce the travelling time due to its better acceleration and
deceleration.
The new age flagship train set, comprising 16 coaches, is designed for maximum operating speed of 160 kmph, the sources said.
Being developed in a record time of about 18 months, as against the industry demand of about three to four years, the train is designed in such a way to save diesel by dispensing with the power cars and about 30 per cent electricity saving because of advanced regenerative braking system.
The total seating capacity of the new train is 1,128 that's more than the conventional AC chair car
trains due to availability of seats in the driving coach and removal of two power cars.
The Train 18 train set, which got ready at an approximate cost of Rs 100 crore per rake- about half the price of importing such a rake from abroad, has about 80 per cent Indian origin components in cue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign.
The two driving trailer coaches will enable quicker turn-around time at destinations.
Every alternative coach is motorised to ensure even distribution of Motive Power and Faster
acceleration/deceleration. All the coaches are connected by fully sealed gangways with integrated bridge plates, where passenger can walk across freely.
The train has better passenger amenities such as on-board Wi-Fi infotainment, GPS Based Passenger Information System, plush interiors, bio-vacuum toilets, diffused LED lighting, charging points beneath every seat, individual touch based reading lights Intelligent Air-conditioning system that will adjust the cooling according to the climate conditions, occupancy, concealed roller blinds.
The train has facility for PWD passengers to enter the driving trailer coach using their wheel chairs,
PWD friendly toilets, auto sensor taps in the toilets, modern pantry and food service facilities,
Rotating seats to match with the direction of the train in Executive Class, Automatic Sliding Doors
inside the coaches, modular luggage rack with glass bottom.
The advanced state-of-the-art suspension system will also ensure smooth and safe journey for the
passengers.
The modern look with continuous windows on the exterior will make the travel an experience to remember.
On safety front, the Train Management System provided with the Driver’s Cab will ensure precise brake control and automated doors control. The automated plug doors provided on the coaches will open only when the train reaches 0 Kmph speed and it will start only after closing of all the doors.
Automated sliding footsteps will also form a temporary bridge between the train and the platform to
prevent any accidental slip or fall of the passenger. Moreover, emergency talk back units (through which passengers can talk to crew in case of Emergency) and CCTVs are provided in all coaches for safe and secure travel.
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