Talgo’s coaches on Wednesday attained a speed of 180 kmph during their speed trials between Mathura and Palwal! This is the first time the 9-coach train, being pulled by an Indian Railways engine has clocked such a high-speed.
The distance between Mathura and Palwal was covered in record 39 minutes. This speed is said to be the fastest till date on Indian tracks.
Indian Railways’ Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) is conducting the three-phase trials of Talgo’s coaches.
Today’s trial was conducted in the “coaches empty” condition, Vijay Kumar, Executive Director, Infrastructure at Railway Board told FE Online. “We will now conduct the trial at the speed of 180 kmph with coaches being having full capacity. These trials will continue till roughly July 25,” Kumar said.
Also read: Delhi to Mumbai in less than 12 hours? Talgo will first have to pass these 3 tests
Talgo’s high-speed trials began on July 9 and several rounds of tests are going to be conducted before any decision on the use and suitability of these coaches for Indian Railways can be taken.
Today’s development takes India closer to its dreams of having semi-high speed and high-speed trains.
RDSO has already tested the coaches for safety and stability. Asked about whether the initial trials have been successful, an RDSO official had earlier told FE Online, “The report is under preparation with analysis of various technical data and technical aspects. The preliminary results appear OK. However, it would be inappropriate to comment anything on the results till the report is final.”
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The nine-coach Talgo train consists of two Executive Class cars, four Chair Cars, a cafeteria, a power car and a tail-end coach for staff and equipment.
Hauled by a 4,500 HP diesel engine, Talgo coaches are lightweight and designed in a way that it can run on curves without decelerating the speed.
Talgo’s coaches are said to weigh much less than an average Indian Railways coach, and that is what the company claims will help it run trains at a higher speed. They also consume 30% less energy, the Spanish company says.
