Chennai: The Intergral Coach Factory (ICF) is set to launch India’s first modern train named ‘Train 18’ later today by Chairman, Railway Board, Ashwani Lohaniji in the presence of officials from Railway Board, Railways and ICF.
Ever since ICF gave a brief glimpse of the train early this year, it has grabbed the attention of millions across India. According to sources from the ICF, it took about 18 months to design and develop this coach.
Built at a cost of Rs 100 crore per rake, the semi-high speed train can reach upto 160 kmph. “Eighty per cent of the components used in this train was made in India,” said a senior ICF official. “We also made it a lesser cost when compared to the price of importing such a rake from abroad.”
An important feature of this train is that it is engine-less. Conventional trains built by ICF make use of seperate coaches known as the ‘Power cars’ that are coupled to the rest of the compartments and move. But Train 18’s power source is placed in the under-slung of the coaches (i.e., below the chassis of the coaches).
Hence, it completely eliminates the need for power coaches. Also, every alternative coach is motorised to help in the even distribution of power for better acceleration and deceleration. The driving coach with aerodynamically designed drivers cab (nose cone) on both the ends will enable quicker turn-around time at destinations.
According to sources, the train offers plush interiors, bio-vacuum toilets, LED lightings, Wi-Fi, charging points beneath every seats, concealed roller blinds to name a few. The train also offers disability-friendly features.
It gives such passengers the option to entrain or detrain with their wheel chairs by using an automated sliding footsteps, that will also become like a bridge between the train and the platform.
This prevents accidental slips or the fall of a passenger. Special toilets for differently-abled passengers are also part of the coaches.
The 16 coach Train 18 has a total seating capacity of 1,128 passengers. This includes 44 seats in the two driving trailer coaches, 52 seats in the two executive chair coaches and 78 seats in the rest of the 12 coaches.
| SAFETY FIRST |
| Some of the major safety features that has been added to Train 18 is that it boasts of in-built GPS system. It’s automated doors in every coach will open only when the train halts. The train will also start only after all these doors are closed. Every coach is provided with CCTVs. Cameras are also installed on both the sides of the driving trailers which will help loco-pilots to monitor the movement of passengers on the platform before closing the doors. Train 18 will save about 30 per cent of electricity as it makes use of advanced regenerative braking system. According to sources, Train 18 will soon replace the Shatabdi Express rakes. |
| KEEPING TRACK |
| Cost – Rs 100 crores per rake Speed – 160 Kmph Seating capacity – 1128 passengers Coaches – 16 Features – WiFi, plush interiors, bio-vacuum toilets, differently-abled friendly toilets, GPS system, automated sliding doors and sliding footsteps, CCTVs, emergency talk back units |