Train 18 likely to be launched on December 25
The first indigenously-built Trainset, Train 18 will be launched on December 25 from New Delhi to Varanasi. The fare structure will be higher than the normal fare as the input cost of the Rs 100-crore train is high. The decision on its launch date and fare are yet to be taken as the trial is not yet complete, a railway official said.
"Christmas Day also happens to be the birthday of late Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and it would be a tribute to the great statesman of the country if we manage to launch the next-generation train on that day," the official said.
According to the tentative plan, the train will start from New Delhi station at 6 a.m. and is expected to reach Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency, at 2 p.m.
For the return journey, the train will start at 2.30 p.m., from Varanasi and reach the national capital at 10.30 p.m.
Also Read | Train 18 crosses 180 kmph speed limit during trial run
The Train 18 had speeded up to 180 kmph between Kota Junction and Kurlasi station during a trial on Sunday.
The various trials included a speed run on a straight track, speed test on one-degree curve at 150 kmph, and two-degree curve at 140 and 150 kmph -- on 113 km stretch from Kota to Kurlasi under the watchful eyes senior Railways officials as well as those from the national transporter's Research Design and Standards Organisation.
The Trainset does not require a locomotive as it is a self-propelled on electric traction, like metro trains.
"We are expecting the trials to be over in a week and after that we will seek CRS clearance," said the official.
The Trainset will undergo a long confirmatory run and also test its emergency braking distance before it gets a clearance from the Commissioner, Railway Safety (CRS) for commercial operations to commence.
Equipped with world class facilities, the Rs 100 crore Trainset aims to take passenger-comfort to a new level with onboard WiFi, a GPS-based information system, touch-free bio-vacuum toilets, LED lighting, mobile charging points, and a climate control system that adjusts the temperature according to occupancy and weather.
The 16-coach train will have two executive compartments with 52 seats each, and trailer coaches will have 78 seats each.
