The Chennai-Bangalore AC double-decker train was taken out on a trial run to Bangalore on Sunday.
According to an official, the test run would establish whether the train would encounter any ‘interference’ from fixed structures, including track-side installations, over-head equipment or platforms en route.
The 14-coach rake, including 12 passenger coaches, a power car and pantry, was designed and developed with several safety and passenger comfort features by the rail coach factory in Kapurthala. Some of its features include anti-climbing technology to prevent coach pile-up in a mishap, an air suspension system with multiple shock absorbers and GPS-based passenger information system.
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The red-and-yellow double-decker train pulled out of platform 2 at Chennai Central around 8.30 a.m. for the test run which was carried out under direct supervision of an inspection team from the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), ministry of railways.
Packed to capacity, each of the passenger coaches of the double-decker train will accommodate 120 travellers.
Meanwhile, the official said the inspection team was taking a closer look at the Jolarpettai platform as they were not happy with the clearance achieved by the rake. The train’s designated stoppages are at Perambur (up direction only), Arakkonam, Katpadi, Ambur, Jolarpettai, Bangarapet, Krishnarajapuram and Bangalore Cantonment. The train has halted at Jolarpettai and will return only on Monday.
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