High-speed Talgo train not on track just yet
10 Aug 2016
The much-touted Spanish-made high speed Talgo train will be put into service but only after modifications to make them operational for Indian platforms, Indian Railways said today.
Even though the timing trial of Talgo can be called successful, Hemant Kumar, member (rolling stock) of the Railway Board said that trains cannot be operational in its present form due to less width and low footboard height. There will be an open tender for acquiring such lightweight trains from the global market, Kumar added.
With a maximum speed of 140 kmph, the Talgo today completed its third trial run on the Delhi to Mumbai Rajdhani route in 12 hours and 7 minutes. The fourth and final trial is scheduled to take place on 14 August.
The railways conducted speed trials of the nine-coach Talgo train between Barailey and Moradabad up to a speed of 115 kmph. Then high speed trials up to a test speed of 180 kmph were conducted between Mathura and Palwal section.
These trials were found successful, Kumar said, adding timing trial for 150 kmph is underway between Delhi and Mumbai.
It is expected that time saving of 4 hours will be achieved between New Delhi and Mumbai over the existing Rajdhani Express.