New Delhi

Nine state-of-the-art train coaches manufactured by Spanish firm Talgo which are capable of running at a maximum speed of 200 kmph today reached Mumbai ahead of their crucial test run by the Railways next month.

Dispatched in a cargo ship from Barcelona on March 27, they will be put on trial on the existing tracks for validation test.

“Talgo coaches have arrived at the Mumbai port. These coaches will be transported to Izzatnagar Depot after getting customs clearances,” a senior Railway Ministry official said.

The Spanish train-maker has offered to test run its lighter and faster trains free of cost on the existing Indian Railways network.

“The first Talgo train trial will be conducted between Bareilly and Moradabad rail route at a maximum speed of 115 kmph for oscillation test. This will be followed by another trial between Palwal and Mathura route at a maximum speed of 180 kmph,” the official said.

The third one will be carried out between Delhi and Mumbai at a maximum speed of 200 kmph.

According to Railways, Talgo trains are capable of running at speeds varying between 160-200 kmph on the existing infrastructure without any upgrade.

Barring minor changes, there will be no need for overhauling the tracks for the trial run, the official said, adding, the cost of import of coaches and customs clearances will be borne by Talgo.

Besides reducing travel time, Talgo’s lighter trains consume 30 per cent less energy which will help railways reduce the power bill as well.

PTI