Darjeeling Mail - উত্তরবঙ্গের ঐতিহ্য - Joydeep Roy

Talgo Train achieves speed of 180 kmph
Talgo’s coaches today attained a speed of 180 kmph during their speed trials between Mathura and Palwal, sources told FE Online. This is the first time the 9-coach train, being pulled by an Indian Railways engine has clocked such a high-speed.

Talgo’s high-speed trials began on July 9 and several rounds of tests are...
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going to be conducted before any decision on the use and suitability of these coaches for Indian Railways can be taken.
This development takes India closer to its dreams of having semi-high speed and high-speed trains.

Indian Railways’ Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) has already been testing the coaches for safety and stability. Asked about whether the initial trials have been successful, an RDSO official 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.”

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.