What are Train 18 and Train 20? « Back to Questions List

Train 18 is a self-propelled train built by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) for Indian Railways. Train 18 is semi high-speed engineless train that works on electric traction as in the case of metro trains. The indigenously developed Train 18 is manufactured as a part of Make in India concept. The train which is capable of running at 160 km per hour was built in a record time of 16 months compared to 2 to 3 years required to manufacture a similar train elsewhere. Initial trail run has already been completed though minor issues are reported.  

The trains developed with code name Train 18 are envisaged to replace existing intercity express train including Shatabdi expresses. ICF is in the process of making six Train 18s. Of these trains, two are with sleeper coaches. Train 18 carries a number of features to offer better customer comfort and travelling experience. The manufacturing cost per Train 18 is in the range of Rs. 100 Cr. Train 18 is loaded with state-of-the-art amenities. 

The features of Train18 include

Automatic doors with retractable footstep
Wi-fi, GPOS based passenger information and infotainment inside the coaches  
Bio vacuum based modular toilets
Advanced centre couplers to reduce jerk impact
Electro-pneumatic brake system to minimize braking distance. In this system, brake discs are mounted directly on wheel discs.
Interconnected AC chair car types coaches with continuous window glasses. Fully sealed gangways are used for interconnecting coaches to aid easy passenger movements
New boggie design and modular luggage rack
Bogie design with fully suspended traction motors
Superior LED lighting
Space for wheelchair and toilets for persons with disability

The integral coach factory is also in the process of launching Train 20 by 2020. Train 18 has stainless steel body whereas Train 20 will be made with aluminium. Train 18 is capable of achieving a speed of 200kph. However, the infrastructure such as tracks and signal systems are required to upgrade. 

The Indian Railways is the backbone of transportation in India. Train tracks of Indian Railways spans across the length and breadth of the country. The Shatabdi Express is the fastest among trains. Indian Railways has a plan to increase the speed of all long distance passenger trains by 25 kms per hour by 2022. They are also planning to develop 10,000 km high speed corridors that permits trains to run at 250 kms per hour.  Train 18 is right move in this direction.

( Train 18 was renamed Vande Bharat Express. The Train was flagged of for the first Journey of February 15, 2019 between New Delhi and Varanasi by Prime Minister of India. Commercial services commenced on February 17, 2019.) 

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