Full-fledged use of Spain's Talgo coaches in 3 years

NEW DELHI: The railways is likely to induct Talgo coaches into its fleet as it looks to cut travel time and increase efficiency of its congested network.

After the successful trial, the transporter's plan is to first induct the Spanish coaches on lease and run on less crowded sectors such as Delhi-Jaipur or Delhi-Jodhpur.

The full-fledged use of Talgo coaches across the network could begin two-three years later, once local production commences after considering modifications suggested by the railways to make them operational for Indian platforms. "The trials were successful.It is expected to reduce travel time by 3-4 hours between New Delhi and Mumbai over the existing Rajdhani Express without making any changes on the existing track or signalling system," said a railway official.

However, he said, "The Spanish coaches will be pressed into service across the network only after a few modifications as it has less width and low foot-board height."

With Talgo coaches, the trains can run at maximum speed of 130-150 kmph and can achieve an average speed of around 90-100 kmph as the coaches, built on The railways is though facing problems in placing orders as the technology is patented by the Spanish manufacturer, the sole maker of these coaches. "It will take a lot of convincing with the vigilance and other agencies as there will be no competing bidders," said an official.

But there could be a way to overcome this hurdle as the railways may call for bids from manufacturers of coaches that can run at over 130 km an hour without slowing down on curves, he said.