Train 18: India’s Engine-less Train With Aircraft-Like Facilities

New Delhi: Indian Railways’ first 160 kmph self-propelled train set, train 18, is set to roll out on Monday. This engine-less train, made in 18 months, will replace the Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi, next year. Manufactured under the “Make in India” initiative at ICF Chennai, it is a 16-coach AC train worth Rs 100 crore.

The train has an aerodynamic driver cabin at each end. ICF GM Sudhandhu Mani said, the various equipmentsof Train 18 “talk to each other digitally”, as the entire set operates as a computer unit. The colour scheme is white blue, which is also first for Indian Railways.

The doors of the train are centrally operated and automatic with sliding footsteps to bridge gap between platform and train. The coach entry area, too, has automatic sliding doors with optical sensors.

Train 18 also has two executive chair cars with European-style seats in golden fabric which is dust and fire resistant. The headrests of the same are pink and purple. The seats can also be rotated 180 degrees.

The lighting is doen with diffused LED, like that in aircrafts, which can be brightened or dimmed depending on the time of the day. Each seat has personalised reading lights as well.

There is bio-vacuum toilets for efficient flushing and touch-free sensor-based fittings for optimal consumption of water.

While the train will now only link Bhopal-Delhi, it might also run between Howrah and Delhi sometime in future.