While Train 18 has been tested at 180 kmph speed on a section of the Delhi-Mumbai Rajdhani route, it will eventually run at a maximum speed of 160 kmph.

Train 18 creates big record! Indian Railways first engine-less train set, Train 18, today hit speeds of 180 kmph during its trials on the Delhi-Mumbai Rajdhani route. With this it has become the fastest Indian Railways train ever! Talking exclusively to Financial Express Online about the remarkable feat, Sudhanshu Mani, GM of ICF said, “Train 18 has clocked 180 kmph speed during the trials today. While many trials are still left, this is a milestone for Train 18.” “The data is yet to be analysed, but I can confirm that Train 18 achieved the 180 kmph speed today,” Sudhanshu Mani added. Yesterday the train had hit 170 kmph during its trials by RDSO. The only other train to have hit 180 kmph on Indian tracks is Spain’s Talgo. Currently, Gatimaan Express between Delhi and Jhansi is the fastest Indian Railways train at 160 kmph speed.

While Train 18 has been tested at 180 kmph speed on a section of the Delhi-Mumbai Rajdhani route, it will eventually run at a maximum speed of 160 kmph. According to RDSO officials, a new train is normally tested at 10% higher than the speed it is expected to run at. The trials are expected to be complete in December itself after which RDSO will prepare its report. Train 18, manufactured by ICF under the ‘Make in India’ initiative has been envisioned as a modern, technologically superior replacement to the Shatabdi Express trains.

Speculation is rife about the route that will be finalised for Train 18 by Railway Ministry. Sources have told Financial Express Online that apart from the Delhi-Bhopal route, on which the fastest Shatabdi Express runs, the Varanasi route is also being considered. Varanasi is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency.

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The engine-less self-propelled Train 18 is expected to offer jerk-free and comfortable rides to passengers. ICF Chennai is expected to roll out another rake of Train 18 in February and four more in the next financial year. A sleeper-class version of Train 18 to replace Rajdhani Express trains is also being considered by the Railway Board.