19 Facts About Train 18, India’s First Engine-Less Train

Railways were brought to India in the 19th century and the progress that it has shown over time until today has been commendable. The railways have become a lifeline for so many people from all over the country. With improving technology, things are only getting better. The Indian Railways is going to launch the first ever, made in India train, which will run without an engine, on self-propulsion, at the speeds of over 160 kilometers per hour, and is named Train 18 or T18. The train will be tested on the tracks from October 29. It is going to replace the legendary premium Shatabdi Express, which is built by the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai in the time period of just 20 months.

So here we have a few facts about the train 18 that will surely surprise you:

1. Train 18 is the first engine-less and Made in India train

It has been built by the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, in just 18 months.

2. Train 18 will replace the premium Shatabdi Express over time

Shatabdi Express connects major cities that are not too far from each other. The service was introduced in India in 1988 and runs on almost 20 tracks, connecting the cosmopolitans to the other close cities.

3. Train 18 will go for trials from October 29, 2018

Trials will continue for three to four days, outside the Integral Coach Factory, and then, on success, it will be handed over to the Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) for further testing.

4. Train 18 manufacturing cost is said to be the half of a similar train set to be imported, says a Financial Express report

5. The prototype costed approx 100 crore

The Integrated Coach Factory General Manager of the Indian Railways stated that the subsequent production of the coaches will reduce the production cost when compared to its current prototype.

6. Loaded with advance features that passengers will love

Features like diffused lighting, automatic doors, and footsteps, the train will also keep a GPS based passenger information system. Also all of the compartments will be fitted with LEDs.

7. The footsteps will be installed at the doorway of the coaches and it would slide outwards when the train stops at a station

It will adjust to the height between the platform and the train level. This will allow the passengers to come off the train easily, safely, with comfort.

8. Capable of running at the speeds over 160kmph

But the current tracks are supportive of speeds not more than 130kmph. The tracks might either be completely replaced or be upgraded. The upgrade is in the progress, to suit the speeds of Train 18. It will then reduce the time taken during travel by Shatabdi Express by over 15%.

9. T-18 is a self-propelled engine-less train just like Metro trains

And will be completely under the surveillance of CCTV cameras.

10. T-18 will have total of 18 compartments

The train will have two executive compartments out of 16 chair car type compartments that will have 52 seats. The rest 14 trailer coaches will have about 78 seats each.

11. The train has its unique design that allows all the passengers to have a look at the driver’s cabin

12. Train 18 have driver cabins at both ends of the train

Unlike locomotive-hauled train no engine reversal requirements will be needed in train 18.

13. The new train comes with a technical features for enhanced quick acceleration

14. Passengers are said to have infotainment and on train Wi-Fi, so they can enjoy their journey

15. Zero discharge bio-vacuum toilets are installed in the train

The toilets will have stylish bathroom fittings.

16. It has more spacious luggage rack that will allow passengers to park more luggage

17. The train will have a dedicated space to park wheelchairs for the disabled passengers

18. The train will soon run on the 707km route of the premium Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Bhopal

#Train18 #T18 pic.twitter.com/amhamI74MF

— Rtv (@Robinjourno) October 23, 2018

19. Unlike conventional trains, Train 18 will have continuous windows