India's first engine-less train-breached the 180 kmph speed threshold on Sunday during a test run in the Kota-Sawai Madhopur section, becoming the country's fastest train. If trials go well it may replace the Shatabdi Express soon.
"Train 18 exceeds 180 kmph... The stability of water bottles (inside the train) at this speed is testament to the quality of workmanship and design of our engineers," says Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways
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Top features and facilities
• Aerodynamically designed driver cabins at both ends for quicker turn-around at destinations
• Alternate coaches are motorised to ensure even distribution of power and faster acceleration or deceleration
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• Regenerative braking system to save power
• Inter-connected, fully sealed gangways
• Automatic doors with retractable footsteps
• Onboard Wi-Fi and infotainment
• GPS-based passenger information system
• Modular toilets with bio-vacuum systems
• Rotational seats which can be aligned in the direction of travel (executive class)
• Roller blinds and diffused LED lighting
• Disabled-friendly toilets
• Emergency talk-back units to contact train crew
• CCTVs in all coaches for safe and secure travel
In Numbers
Approximate cost of train: ₹100 crore
Possible peak speed: 200 kmph
Expected commencement of commercial run: Jan. 2019
Number of Train 18s in the pipeline: 5
Number of coaches: 116 (same as Shatabdi)
The time reportedly taken to conceive, design and develop the train: 18 months