Approval of the Railway Board (RB) is the only process that stands between people and Tejas train in the state. Southern Railway (SR) successfully conducted the speed trial of Tejas Express between Chennai and Villupuram a few days ago. “Tejas clocks max speed of 110kmph between Chengalpattu - Melmaruvathur and a few other sections during the trial run,” General manager of Southern Railway RK Kulshrestha posted on Twitter, confirming the conduct of the trial run. 

“We conducted the trial run three days ago. The trial was only for the rolling stock. Hence, we tested it only up to Villupuram. Tracks on the entire route are compatible,” a senior official who described the trial run as “satisfactory” told DTNext. The official also confirmed they have already obtained the safety certification of Commissioner of Rail Safety, southern circle. The upgraded variant of Tejas Express, which was originally earmarked for Northern Railway (NR) before being allotted to SR, was manufactured at ICF (Integral Coach Factory) in the city. The fully air-conditioned train with sophisticated infotainment system would have 23 coaches (chair car and executive class) fitted with motor operated venetian blinds, automatic doors in passenger area and sliding coach doors. The train would also have modular toilets and GPS based passenger information system.