The indigenously-built, semi high-speed train, dubbed Train 18, is likely to start operations this month, with the first run being between Delhi and Varanasi, a senior railway official said.
Train 18, touted as the successor to the Shatabdi series, can run at a speed of between 160 and 200 kmph. Manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, at a cost of ₹100 crore, Train18 touched a high speed of over 180 kmph during trial run. However, once it is launched, it is expected to run at 130 kmph speed.
The official said the train would cover the distance between Delhi and Varanasi in eight hours, compared to over 11 hours at present.
“Train 18 is likely to run in January after the report of the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) is approved by the Board. The report has suggested several conditions to be met before we can run the train at 130 kmph,” the official said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely flag off the train.
The CCRS has given the go-ahead to run the train at a maximum speed of 160 kmph but 20 conditions have been imposed, including fencing along the tracks. For a maximum speed of 130 kmph, the CCRS has suggested fencing at vulnerable points to avoid any accident.
The train is expected to come with passenger amenities including on-board infotainment, GPS-based passenger information system, CCTV, automatic sliding doors with retractable coach footsteps and zero discharge vacuum-based bio-toilets.