Rail Freak

MUMBAI Metro Rail (MMR), India, plans to purchase driverless trains to operate on Mumbai metro Line 3, which will run for 33.5km from Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (Seepz) in the north of the city to Cuffe Parade in the southern district of Colaba. The metro rail agency has plans to open the Metro system for passengers in phases from 2020. Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation's director (systems), AA Bhatt, said that the driverless train will be equipped with latest technology prevalent across the world. "It will have driverless features besides communication-based train control system." Initially, for a year, the train will operate with the help of a pilot, but these pilots will gradually be done away with. Packages for traction systems, power supply, tunnel ventilation, signalling, train control, platform screen doors and telecommunication systems are still up for tender, with Siemens, Alstom and Bombardier among those in the running for the various pa...

India’s cabinet approved a proposal on April 5 to establish an independent rail regulator, which will be responsible for setting Indian Railways’ (IR) freight and passenger tariffs and ensuring a level playing field for stakeholders and investors. an independent regulator for the Indian Railways that will be empowered to set fares. Except that its name will neither have the words 'independent' or 'regulator'. The Rail Development Authority (RDA) - which will comprise a chairman and three members – will set efficiency and performance standards for IR on the basis of “global benchmarking parameters”. It will have the powers to engage experts from other fields. The RDA is expected to revive investor sentiment, as it will ensure greater continuity on the railway when a change of government occurs. With the setting up of the regulator towards the fourth quarter of 2017, passenger fares on the IR network - which have remained hugely subsidised in recent decades - ar...

In a move to revamp the travelling experience for passengers, Indian Railways is set to roll out world class facilities for new trains. Railways is looking to unveil new services in the new year as part of which passengers will be treated to cuisines curated by a celebrity chef coupled with ultra modern facilities to make it a world class journey. “Despite challenges, we undertook several initiatives in 2016 which will bear fruits later. In 2017, we are looking to progress on the many new initiatives we have launched,” Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has said. Recently we launched Hamsafar Express. Before that Mahamanya and Gatimaan Express were also launched. Tejas will be launched in 2017. - Suresh Prabhu, Railways Minister, India Redefining passengers’ travel experience, Tejas coaches will be equipped with 22 new features, including entertainment LCD screens for each passenger along with headphones sockets. Have a look at this Video posted by a Facebook user: ...

Pune Metro got a go ahead by Indian Central Government and Maharashtra State Government. For seamless implementation and execution,  Pune Metro Rail Corporation (PMRC), a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the project, will be formed. The first phase involves building a 16.6km north-south line connecting the densely-populated Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area with Swargate. This will include an 11.6km elevated section and a 5km tunnel. Stage 2 will be a 14.7km east-west line from Vanaz to Ramvadi, which will be fully elevated. Pune and Nagpur (Other city on the Indian state of Maharashtra) metro projects will be a part of the umbrella institution called  Maharashtra Metro Pune’s population has surged in recent years from 3.57 million in 2001 to 4.99 million in 2011, and is forecast to continue growing to 6.9 million in 2021 and 7.73 million in 2031. Maha metro MD said, "Pune metro will cover a stretch of 31 km. Total cost of the project is Rs 11,40...

Maharaja's Express  - an initiative of Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) - is the latest luxury train to be introduced in India Often called "the Orient Express of the Orient," the  Maharajas' Express  is a recent entrant to the luxury train market. The decor attempts to emulate the golden days of the Raj when Maharajas traveled with opulence and pomp in ostentatious carriages. Such colonial splendor has been recreated to the full and the week-long journey also immerses travelers in the spirit of the era with gin and tonic sundowners, elephant rides and a chance to chat with erstwhile royal families. It's an enjoyable three-night ride, but passengers should beware of some hidden extras such as camera and video fees or porter charges. From $3,850 per person List of Most Luxurious Trains In The World Rank Name Average Charges 1. Maharaja Express $3,850 2. Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express $2,142 3. Royal...

Spanish Train manufacturer Talgo recently did a trial run of it's light weight train for Indian Railways. Talgo claimed that their train can achieve a speed of 180 kmph without any major change in existing infrastructure. Talgo did all the trial, transportation at it's own cost. Trail was successful as train did achieved 180 kmph mark in it's third trial run between Indian cities Mumbai and Delhi. Current fastest train between this route takes 16 hours to cover  1,400 km distance. Talgo did this in 12 Hours and authorities claimed that trial and presentation is nearly successful.  Train went under rigorous trial in terms of load and technology. Indian trains run on broad gauge since this talgo train can run on both standard and broad gauge it wasn't a problem to the operator.  Indian Railway has not given any contract or signed any agreement with Talgo yet but a possibility for a possible collaboration can't be denied. Take a look at below trial run video from...

Looking at the Indian Railway trains I feel they are lagging behind from rest of the world by at least 30 years. Their coaches are not attractive, very dull color, dirtiness in and outside the train but Indian Railways have made a lot of improvement in couple of years with many new types of train having modern amenities and facilities, good coaches. One such train is Humsafar Express which mean companion or fellow traveler. Train is covered in a very soothing and vibrant blue color. People will love this train. Many more new trains to come. Check out below video uploaded by  navingupta52