India’s fastest train, Vande Bharat Express that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday developed a technical fault during its inaugural run. The engine-less train, also known as Train 18, was returning from Varanasi when it broke down about 200 km from the capital near Tundla in Uttar Pradesh. It resumed its journey at around 8.15 am, railways said, after being at a halt for almost three hours.
As per Railway Ministry statement as reported by ANI,’Vande Bharat Express was standing 18km from Tundla since 6.30 am. There seems to be disruption due to a possible cattle run over. It wasn’t a scheduled commercial run. Commercial ops begin from 17 Feb. After removing the obstacle, the journey to Delhi resumed around 8.15 am’.
Railways Min: Vande Bharat Express was standing 18km from Tundla since 6.30 am. There seems to be disruption due to a possible cattle run over. It wasn't a scheduled commercial run. Commercial ops begin from 17 Feb. After removing obstacle, journey to Delhi resumed around 8.15 am pic.twitter.com/jxLBD9Cg8v
— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2019
Technical staff deployed with the train said there was a problem with the braking system and effort to rectify it at the spot failed. They are trying to take the train back to Delhi after de-jamming the braking system. Calling it a “mechanical fault in the braking system” the staff said the train made thumping noises when the speed was increased.
The people on board have been shifted to two other trains. The train was set to begin its commercial run from tomorrow.
The semi-high speed Train 18, which has been recently rechristened Vande Bharat Express, can run up to a maximum speed of 160 kmph was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday.
The bookings for the train have begun and it will run commercially from February 17 from Delhi to Varanasi five days a week. 30-year old Shatabdi Express will be replaced by 16 coach train and the train will run between Delhi and Varanasi.
All coaches of Vande Bharat Express, Train 18 are equipped with automatic doors, GPS-based audio-visual passenger information system, onboard hotspot WiFi for entertainment purposes and very comfortable seating. All toilets are bio-vacuum type. The lighting is dual mode, that is diffused for general illumination and personal for every seat.
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