- India’s first locomotive-less train, known as Train 18, has breached the 180 kilometres per hour speed limit during a test run at Kota-Sawai Madhopur section in Rajasthan.
- When this indigenously designed train is made operational, it will become the country’s fastest train.
- Train 18 is capable of touching 200 kilometres per hour provided the rest of Indian Railways’ system, such as tracks and signals, permit.
- 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 turn-around at destinations.
- The train also sports an advanced regenerative braking system which 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.
- S Mani, General Manager of Integral Coach Factory that has manufactured the train expressed the hope that ‘Train 18’ will commence its commercial run from next month.”
