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Reach Bengaluru quicker than now, Train-18 is on the way
Posted on: 08/Nov/2017 1:09:13 PM
Do you often commute between Chennai and Bengaluru? If yes, we have a good news for you! You can reach your destination ahead by an hour starting from April 2018, as the Integral Coach Factory is likely to roll out Train-18 that comes with EMU module.
According to higher officials at ICF, the railway board has given clearance for the Train-18 – an advanced electrical multiple unit train – that will ply at velocity of 160 km per hour. As compared to EMU trains, this new train will come with self-propellant engine with smaller width. Two such trains are planned each with 16 coaches.
The electrical train in use consumes a few minutes to reach its full velocity or stop. So, these trains need to be stopped at about 2 km before reaching the stoppage point. When there are 10 stoppages, the travel time will raise by an hour approximately. However, with EMU trains, it takes just a few seconds to stop and gather momentum, say ICF sources. Between Chennai and Coimbatore, the time taken by common electrical trains is almost 7.30 to 8 hours. And the time taken to reach Bengaluru is almost 7 hours. The new train will reduce the travel time substantially.
There are however doubts whether train will hail from Chennai city. For functioning Train-18, the tracks need to be upgraded. The presently used tracks in the southern railways cannot accommodate these trains that ply at 160 km per hour. So, the zonal railway management is making the necessary arrangements to upgrade tracks.
Speaking about this, one of the officials of southern railways says the routes between Chennai and Bengaluru will be upgraded. Once the works are completed, the Train-18 shall become functional, he said.
Further, officials also state that the Train-18 will be moved on to the northern railway. Designing works for Train-18 are completed. And the spare parts will now be procured. The manufacturing works shall get over by March 2018. It is believed that the trains will be on track by the month of April. The route between Delhi and Agra is already upgraded. A few trains are already functional at the speed of 160 km per hour in these upgraded routes.
Furthermore, the very first train made of lightweight Aluminum is being produced by ICF, and it is also planning for the Train-20 that is likely to be rolled out in 2020. With lighter body, the train will function faster, say ICF sources.
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