This high-speed, engine-less train is the Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18. Initially named Train 18, it gained popularity as the Vande Bharat Express.
New Delhi: Have you ever heard of a train that runs without an engine? It’s hard to imagine, right? For most of us, a train is synonymous with the sound of a chugging engine and the occasional puff of smoke. But yes, there is a train in India that runs without an engine. This train is not only fast but also incredibly popular. The popularity is such that it has outpaced many others in demand.
As India’s first engine-less train, its immense appeal has led to nearly every state vying for its service. During its trial runs, the train clocked a speed of 183 km/h, but due to track limitations, it currently runs at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, making it the fastest train in the country.
Many would think that a train without engine might operate slowly. But no, in fact, this engine-less train is faster than even the Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express trains. This high-speed, engine-less train is the Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18. Initially named Train 18, it gained popularity as the Vande Bharat Express.
This semi-high-speed train has become a favorite among travelers, and you might have already traveled on it without realizing that it has no engine.
Here are some of the key features:
- The Vande Bharat Express is fully automated train
- The Vande Bharat Express is built at Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF).
- It is India’s first train without a separate engine, unlike traditional trains that have a separate engine coach attached to the carriages.
- Train 18 has an integrated engine, similar to bullet trains or metro trains, which is built into the carriages themselves.
- The engine-less electric train’s entire system is integrated into the carriages.
- For operational safety, two locomotive pilots are present on the train.
- While the top speed of the Vande Bharat Express is 180 km/h, it currently runs at 130 km/h due to safety concerns.
The Vande Bharat Express is India’s first locomotive-less train. It runs without an engine because of its distributed power, with the engine fitted in each coach. The train is part of the government’s “Make in India” initiative and entered commercial service in February 2019.
