India's first engineless train gets on track for trial run

The first train set conceptualised, designed and manufactured completely in India, which looks like a bullet train, will be released for trial in a week’s time.

A train set is a rake which is self-propelled and does not need a locomotive. The train set, known as Train-18, is designed and manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) at a cost of Rs 100 crore. A second rake would be ready by March, with costs expected to reduce as more rakes are manufactured.

Built for a quick intra-day travel on Shatabdi Express routes like Delhi-Bhopal, Chennai-Bengaluru and Mumbai-Ahmedabad, the sixteen-coach train has the latest amenities and can cut down on travel time by 10-15%. The train has better acceleration than conventional trains as it has 50% more power and is equipped with a smart braking system consisting of regenerative and electro-pneumatic braking imported from Hungary.

* 16 AC coaches with two executive ones. Driving coach has 44 seats

* Trailer coach has 78 seats and executive chair car has 52 seats

* Max speed: 220 kmph will be tested for 160 kmph

* Two disabled-friendly toilets and space for baby care

* Special pantry units

* 6 CCTV cameras in each coach; one CCTV outside the driver's coach to monitor passengers

* Talk-back facility to the driver

* Emergency switch in each coach

Two executive class coaches in the centre of the train have seats which can rotate by 360 degrees, giving passengers the option of enjoying a straight-on view of the scenery.

These seats have been air-lifted from Spain; apart from the braking system and transformers, these are the only imported components, say officials.

For the first time, passengers would be able to knock on the doors of the driver and also have a look at the panel.

The train's speed test would be conducted on the Moradabad-Bareilly and Kota-Sawai Madhopur stretch next month, said officials.