Train 18, Indian Railways first engine-less self-propelled train for inter-city travel will hit the tracks on October 29. Indian Railways believes that Train 18 will offer a world-class experience, better than the premium Shatabdi Express train. Manufactured by ICF Chennai under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Train 18 takes your breath away at the first sight!
India has never seen a train like this for inter-city travel and the first thought that crosses one’s mind is – will Indian Railways be able to maintain it? Given the recent incidents with Tejas Express and other LHB trains, to maintain Train 18’s swanky look will be a tough task for Indian Railways. Painted in hues of white and blue, Train 18 gives a bullet-train like European feel. It has continuous windows for panoramic view from the passengers’ perspective. The 16 coach all air-conditioned chair car has an aerodynamic driver cabin at each end, eliminating the need for train reversal at terminal stations.
In a first for Indian Railways, Train 18 has automatic doors with sliding footsteps! The doors are centrally operated and open only when the train is stationary. A footstep slides out to bridge the gap between the train and the station platform. This world-class feature is a welcome step, especially for senior citizens and children who often find it cumbersome to board and de-board from the existing fleet of Indian Railways trains.
