This Train 18 made by ICF Chennai is world class and marvellous
Posted on: 28/Sep/2018 10:11:04 AM
ICF or Integral Coach Factory in Chennai has manufactured an engineless train named ‘Train 18’ in just 18 months. This is Indian railways first world class train. It is now said that this ‘Train 18’ would replace the Shatabdi express which is the fastest train in India. This ‘Train 18’ would have facilities like seats and special toilets for the differently-abled persons.
Based on the feedback from Lucknow based RDSO or Research Designs and Standards Organisation, the ‘Train 18’ would be modified for subsequent production. This ‘Train 18’ would be propelled by under-slung propulsion system and it can reach speeds up to 160 kmph. It is amazing to mention that this ‘Train 18’ would have aerodynamic driver’s cabin like the ones in Electric Multiple at both ends. The need for a locomotive to haul the train is avoided in ‘Train 18’ by the self propulsion system. The turnaround time of the trains at the terminals is reduced. For the passengers to have a safe and smooth journey, the advanced-state-of-art suspension system would be playing its part.
It must be noted that this ‘Train 18’ would be similar to metro trains and EMUs in Chennai city without a locomotive hauling these trains. The `Train 18` could run at speeds of 160 kmph and due to this the technology evolution of the concept is more complex.
The superb piece of information about ‘Train 18’ is once when the train reaches the final destination then there would not be the necessity to reverse the train set. This is due to the presence of driving cabin at both the ends of this special train. Some officials belonging to ICF spoke about how the concept of distributed power train-set for mainline express service is simply sensational and new. People travelling by ‘Train 18’ would have greater viewing experience due to the presence of continuous windows. The automatic doors with sliding boards would open only when the train reaches the platform and when the train is stationary. An official said that only when the train is at zero kmph the automatic door would open and sliding board would come out.
Some superb features that would be making their presence felt in ‘Train 18’ are European style seating, diffused LED lightings, wheelchair parking space for differently-able persons, onboard WiFi infotainment, GPS based passenger information system, personalised reading lights, emergency talk back units for passengers, CCTVs etc. Using their wheelchairs, persons who are differently-able would be able to enter the driving trailer coach. The toilets would be modular and friendly for differently-abled persons with auto sensor fittings. There would be 16 coaches in the train-set and both executive class as well as second class would be present in ‘Train 18’ with fully rotating executive class chairs. The halogen free rubber-on-rubber flooring would be simply superb.
One important piece of news is ICF in Chennai is working on ‘Train 20’ which would replace the existing Rajdhani coaches. It is revealed that no timeline has been assigned for the new project till now.
