'Train 18' on right track, says Indian Railways

The Indian Railways Friday sought to downplay reports that the newly launched first locomotive-less train in the country - 'Train 18' - had developed glitches, saying they were minor and such issues were a routine occurence during the trial phase of any train.

A senior official in the railways said such glitches were routine during trial-runs and that the Rs 100-crore train, developed by the Integral Coach Factory here, had no major issues. "Some fuses went off while conducting the low-speed run in the city. They were fixed immediately. There was nothing to worry about," the official told PTI, reacting to reports in a section of media that the train was hit by glitches.

The swanky 16-coach train, built in 18 months, is regarded as a successor to the prestigious 30-year-old Shatabdi Express. After finishing the trials in the city, Train 18 left for Delhi on November 11 and reached the capital two days later.

"After the test-run, the Train 18 was hauled by a locomotive to take it to Delhi as it should not run on its own until the Commission of Railway Safety certifies it," the official said.

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The fully air-conditioned train, driven by a self-propulsion module, can run at a speed of up to 160 kmph and comes with technical features for enhanced quick acceleration.