Following the successful rollout of ‘Train 18’, the country’s first engine-less, self-propelled train for inter-city travel, manufactured under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the Indian Railways will now turn its focus on manufacturing ‘Train 20’.
‘Train 20’ is being developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. The train which will have an aluminium body and fully air-conditioned interiors will be a next-generation sleeper class train that will replace the Rajdhani Express trains on the network.
The train which will be designed is expected to be the fastest self-propelled train with a potential speed of 160 kmph and is expected to be rolled out by 2020.
Fitted with CCTV cameras, Train 20 will have diffused lighting, automatic doors and footsteps, besides a GPS-based passenger information system.
The Train 18 is all set to replace the Shatabdi Express that has been running for the past 30 years and is manufactured by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. It is capable of running at a speed of up to 160 kmph and comes with technical features for enhanced quick acceleration.
Developed by the Integral Coach Factory in 18 months, at a cost of Rs 100 crore, the fully air-conditioned train is loaded with several state-of-the-art features. Designed in such a way that passengers can have a better travelling experience compared to any other trains in the country.
The 16-coach prototype has an aerodynamic driver cabin at each end eliminating the need for a locomotive (engine). This feature will cut travel time by 15 per cent compared to the Shatabdi. Flagged off at the ICF premises by Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani, ‘Train 18’ would undergo trials in the coming months.
Indian Railways has been undergoing a massive modernisation and extension programme soon after the NDA government came into power.
Noting the strategic and economic importance of the North-East, the Indian Railways has decided to connect all the capitals in the North-east and is investing Rs.40000 crores in the region. Along with intensifying efforts in the North-East, the Railways has also successfully developed railway infrastructure in Maoist affected areas of the Dantewada region of Chattisgarh.
Recently, the Indian Railways had adopted ‘green’ initiatives when they introduced the first of its kind non-AC coaches which come fitted with solar panels, which will be used to operate lights, fans and mobile charging points. The Indian Railways has also decided has decided to upgrade its rolling stock infrastructure in the next two years by developing 640 ‘Utkrisht rakes at a cost of Rs 400 crore.
