India's fastest Train 18, is all set to make its debut before the end of this year. Now it has been confirmed that Train 18 will commence on its maiden commercial journey on December 29 which will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to the tentative launch plan, the train will start from the New Delhi station at 6am on 29 December, and will reach Varanasi at around 2pm.
The return journey will commence on the same day at 2.30pm from Varanasi. Train 18 is expected to return to Delhi at 10.30pm.
The train will have two 52-seater executive coaches, and 14 78-seater trailer coaches.
The engine-less Train 18 had been undergoing trials over the past two months, and recently breached the 180kmph mark, becoming India's fastest indigenously manufactured train.
Reportedly, Train 18 has a top speed of 200kmph, which can be achieved if tracks and signals work in tandem.
The train is expected to gradually phase out the Shatabdi express, that runs on over 20 routes currently.
The train is a fully air-conditioned and offers world-class amenities.
It has 16 coaches and is a high-tech energy efficient, self-propelled train that is expected to reduce travel times by 15%.
Features include Wi-Fi facility, CCTV cameras, GPS-based passenger information system, infotainment system, automatic doors, roller blinds, automatic temperature control, LED lighting, charging points at every seat, and touch-free bio-vacuum toilet among others.
