New Delhi: The Indian Railways is all set to replace its existing train fleet of the Shatabdi Express as the national transporter is all set to start the testing of the indigenously built semi-high speed "Train 18" from September.
According to a senior official, the train would be inducted in the railways
fleet only after thorough testing of the new set of "Train 18" fleet.
The Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), a technical adviser to the Indian Railways, will conduct the tests and give its validation to the train. Notably, the "Train 18" was earlier scheduled to roll out in July.
Built by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai under the supervision of ICF's general manager Sudhanshu Mani, the train will promote "Make in India", and is capable of running at a speed of 160 km per hour.
The new set of trains will be self-propelled on electric traction like the metro trains and does not require an engine to run, the official said, adding that the ICF will make six such train sets, out of which two will have sleeper coaches.
The new train has some features to enhance passenger comfort 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, 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.