Indigenously built, the much talked about India’s fastest train – Train 18 is all set to run on the tracks after clearing all the safety standards, trials and tests. It is going to start its services shortly after the Budget session of 2019.
But how much will it cost to take a ride of this newly designed train? Presumably, Train 18’s fares will be 40-50 percent more than the existing Shatabdi Express, as per the reports. As specified by the agency reports, the Executive Class fare is likely to cost around Rs 2,800-Rs 2,900, while the Chair Car fare is supposed to be in the range of Rs 1,600-Rs 1,700.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency will witness the maiden operation of Train 18, since its first train is lined up to run between New Delhi and Varanasi. PM Modi will launch the train after the Budget 2019.
According to the Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, the course of 755 km i.e. from Delhi to Varanasi will be covered by Train 18 in just eight hours, with stoppages at Kanpur and Prayagraj. The current fastest train takes about 12 hours to cover the same route.
Unlike Metro trains, Train 18 will also run on electric traction with a speed of 180 kmph and can go up to 200 kmph. From next year itself, the train will start replacing the Shatabdi Trains that currently run in the country, as stated by officials.
Not only in terms of speed, the new train has many more superlative features to be experienced by its passengers for the first time. These are :
* Inter-connected fully-sealed gangways
* Rotational seats (available only in the Executive Class) that can be aligned in the direction of journey
* Onboard Wi-Fi and infotainment
* Automatic doors with retractable footsteps
* GPS-based passenger information system
* Modular toilets with bio-vacuum systems
* Roller blinds and diffused LED lighting
* Disabled-friendly toilets.
