Indian Railways passengers will get to enjoy a ride on its first semi-high speed engine-less train, Train 18. After completing all its trials related to technical updates, Railways will seek a formal nod from the commissioner, Railway Safety to run this Make India train. Senior Railway officials will observe it minutely in Delhi and then allow it to go from Delhi to Moradabad for further trials.
 
According to reports, the premium train will complete its first trial in the next week. Train 18 is reportedly standing at Shakurbasti Railway yard, and it will be shifted to Moradabad for further trials under the observation of Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) officials. 
 
In Moradabad, sandbags will be loaded on the berths of Train 18 to assess its capacity which will measured through different machines. After successful completion of these technical trials, it will accomplish its first test next week.
 
The first trial of Train 18 will be done on the Moradabad-Saharanpur track, and then in the second trial speed test will be observed on Delhi-Mathura route, which already boasts of running another highspeed train, Gatimaan Express with a speed of 160 kmph.  
 
Notably, Train 18 started its journey from Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai to Delhi last Saturday. Codenamed Train 18, it is considered to be Indian Railways latest technological leap. The metro-like train is an engine-less train and is said to be replacing Shatabdi Express train on the Delhi-Bhopal route from January 2019. 
 
The new train will have many features including an automatic doors with sliding footsteps, fully sealed gangways for easy movement, continuous windows, personalised reading lights, comfortable world-class seats and mini pantry with better equipment.
 
It will be an all air-conditioned chair car train with 16 coaches comprising executive and non-executive class.