16.7.16

Talgo train clocks record 180 kmph

A lightweight Spanish-made Talgo train clocked a top speed of 180 kmph during the second phase of high-speed trials between Mathura and Palwal on Wednesday , covering a distance of 86 km in just 39 minutes. In the process, it shattered the record by an Indian train -previously held by Gatimaan Express, at 160 kmph. The successful trial, supervised by engineers from Talgo and Research Design & Standards Organisation, Lucknow, was conducted with nine empty coaches hauled by a Varanasi-made 4,500 HP diesel engine.
Sandbags will be placed on seats to simulate passenger weight in the next trial to be conducted between Mumbai and New Delhi. It will aim at top speed of up to 220 kmph, Dilip Kumar Singh, additional divisional railway manager of Agra, said. Talgo is a leading Madrid based manufacturer of semi high speed (160-250 kmph) and high-speed (350 kmph) passenger trains. Its coaches are lightweight -made of aluminium -and designed to run along curves without decelerating.They weigh much less than the average Indian Railways coaches and also consume 30% less energy . “Today's successful achievement is a major milestone in railway history and it takes us closer to our dreams of having high-speed train service on the existing railway tracks,“ Dilip Kumar Singh, additional divisional railway manager (ADRM) of Agra, said.
“The feeling of the train running at such high speeds was amazing. Before the trial, we were a bit worried about the performance of the coaches at 180 kmph, but they ran exceptionally well, including on curves,“ said Vivek Sharma, second loco pilot in the engine of the train.
The train, comprising two executive class cars, four chair cars, a cafeteria, a power car and a tail-end coach for staff and equipment, ran continuously at 180 kmph from Bhuteshwar to Rundhi stations, covering the distance in 39 minutes.

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