ICF rolls out AC EMU, the second train modelled after Train 18

The ICF has rolled out a second train modelled after Train 18, the country’s first indigenously built semi high-speed train. It has manufactured a fully air-conditioned EMU (AC EMU) train set called “Train 19” by adopting the underslung technology of Train 18, as it did for an underslung MEMU that was unveiled last week.

Train 19 has been produced using T-18 bogies with wider sealed gangways that allow passengers to move from end to end of the train like in metro trains. Train 19 would have higher acceleration and deceleration, as six of the 12 cars are motorised, unlike the present AC EMU that has only four motorised cars. Having half of the cars motorised would help reduce or compensate the time taken between stops and time lost in closing and opening the automatic door.

One of the stand out features of the 110-kmph train is the 3.6kw flexible solar panels attached to one of the coaches. Done on an experimental basis, the panels would power the fans and lights in the coach. Depending on the performance, this would be tried out on more coaches. The train would have screwless interior with rubberised flooring and wide automatic sliding doors. ICF hopes that the new AC EMU would fully meet the demands of mega metro transportation systems like the Mumbai suburban network.