Train 18 inches closer for commercial run, all set to begin test run on Kota division

New Delhi: The trial performance of India's first engine-less semi-high speed train – Train 18 – is has been satisfactory and it is progressing as per schedule.

T18 has successfully completed its running and performance trials upto the speed of 1 15 Kmph in Moradabad division and it will now be undergoing running and performance trials on Kota division to arrive at 160 Kmph speed limit.

Indian Railways is all set to initiate the required process for obtaining approvals from the authorities for induction of this train into commercial service after the Kota division trials are over.

Earlier, Zee Media sources had said that  Train 18 is likely to start operating by December 15.

Route

As per sources T18 will likely run on Delhi- Bhopal route. Since it is a straight stretch, sources said that the Train can achieve 160kmph speed during the journey on this route.

Earlier, Delhi-Varanasi route was also contemplated, but sources said that the Railway Ministry in response has said that since the route is already heavily congested, Train 18 may not be able to run in its full potential.

Fare

Sources told Zee Media that T18 may have TEJAS train like fare structure. It may not have the Flexi Fare mechanism will not be applicable on T18.

Sources also added that the T18 fares will be 20-25 percent higher than fares of Shatabdi. Passengers will be given two options for fares –one with meal and one without meal.

Facility and key features of Train 18

The fully air-conditioned train will have 16 chair-car type coaches out of which two will be executive chair cars and 14 non-executive chair cars. The executive chair can seat 56 passengers, while the non executive chairs will be able to accommodate 78 passengers.

The train with a Swanky interior and world-class facility boasts a host of passenger friendly amenities which include 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, halogen free rubber-on-rubber flooring, rotational seats which can be aligned in the direction of travel (available only in the executive class), roller blinds and diffused LED lighting, and disabled-friendly toilets.