Special team to conduct trials of self-propelled train model

ICF will be manufacturing six trainsets under the Train-18 programme, of which two are planned with sleeper coaches

The Indian Railways has set up a separate team to ensure speedy trials of the much-awaited Trainset, a first for the national transporter, which will roll out on October 29 from Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF).

A separate directorate of six senior officials has been created in the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) to ensure speedy trials of the first indigenouslybuilt semi-high speed train and subsequently other such trains in the future on the Indian rail network.

Branded Train-18, the airconditioned train with 16 coaches will undergo short runs near the ICF for five days to test its braking system, the on-board air conditioning and other systems — as well as for familiarising the crew with the control systems — before reaching New Delhi on November 7.

“The new train will then move to the Moradabad-Bareli section for 150km/h speed trials for a few days,” a senior ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Railway Ministry official told journalists. Thereafter, the train will run at 160km/h between Kota and Sawai Madhopur for the final trial.

“Both sections will have empty and sandbag loaded trials and the RDSO will monitor the entire process before giving the green signal for the commercial run between Delhi and Bhopal,” the official said.

ICF will be manufacturing six train sets under the Train-18 programme, of which two are planned with sleeper class coaches.

Branded Train-18, the air-conditioned train with 16 coaches will undergo short runs near ICF for five days for testing its braking system, the on-board air conditioning and other systems — as well as for familiarising the crew with the control systems — before reaching New Delhi on November 7.