Train 18 to Start Trial Run Today: 10 Things to Know About First Engine Less Train in India

Chennai, October 29: Train 18 or T18, India's first engineless train which is regarded as a successor to the Shatabdi Express, is set to hit the tracks on Monday. The train will run on a trial basis and undergo short runs near Integral Coach Factory(ICF) in Chennai. The trial runs will be carried out for five days for testing its brake system, air conditioning and other systems as well as to familiarise crew with control system before reaching New Delhi on November 7. Next Generation Engineless Train 18 to Replace Shatabdi Express.

With swanky exteriors and interiors, its luxury look resembles European semi-high speed trains. It is reported that the train has a seating capacity of 1128 passengers in 16 coaches. T18 is considered as a significant leap by the Indian Railways in terms of technology and innovation.

Here are the 10 things you need to know about T18:

1. Train 18 is capable of running at a speed up to 160 kmph as the train is dubbed as next-generation train with advanced quick acceleration system.
2. T18 comes with 16 coach without engine which will cut travel time by 15 per cent compared to the Shatabadi Express.
3. It is the fully Air Conditioned train and designed in such a way that passengers can look at the driver's cabin.
4. The estimated cost of T18 is Rs 100 crores but the subsequent production will bring down the cost.
5. The seats of the train can rotate 360 degrees and can be aligned in the direction of travel.
6. T18 has diffused lighting, automatic doors and footsteps beside GPS-based Passenger Information System.
7. The train has onboard wi-fi and infotainment and a GPS-based passenger information system.
8. The self-propelled train is fitted with CCTV cameras.
9. It has two executive compartment in the middle with 52 seats each, whereas normal coaches have 78 seats each.
10. Train 18 has modular toilets with bio vacuum system and modular luggage rack with the glass bottom.

Train 18 will replace existing Shatabdi express trains. The ICF in its official statement said that it will make six such trains, out of which two will have sleeper coaches. After the successful implementation of Train 18, the Integral Coach Factory will start working towards 'Train 20' which will have a full aluminium body.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 29, 2018 01:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).