India’s first engine-less train, Train 18 is all set to hit the rail tracks for trials on 29th October.
Train 18 is being considered as the successor to Shatabdi Express which is 30-year-old.
The first engine-less train is developed in 18 months by the city-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF).
The high-class prototype with 16-coach without a locomotive engine will reduce time travelled by 15% in comparison to Shatabdi.
The interior of the complete air-conditioned train is designed in a way that the passengers can have a look at the driver’s cabin.
About 100 crore has been spent to build the prototype, said Sudhanshu Mani, General Manager of the ICF.
Sudhanshu added, “It will be unveiled on October 29, and then it will do three to four days of trial outside the factory and then it will be handed over to Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) for further trials.”
In contrast to Shatabdi’s speed of 130 kmph, Train 18 has the potential to travel a distance with speed of 160 kmph.
Shatabdi Express was commenced in 1988 and currently, it is running on more than 20 routes linking metros with other main cities.
