Spanish Talgo train arrives at Izatnagar workshop

The first coach of Spanish train firm Talgo's 9-coach trainset arrived late Tuesday at the Izatnagar workshop of North Eastern Railway (NER) at Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh.

Carried on multi-axle trucks called mafis, the train had left from Mumbai Port Trust on May 7. The rest of the 8 coaches are expected in the next couple of days, said NER officials.

Officials told dna that there was palpable excitement among the staff of the workshop as it is for the first time that a completely new design of rolling stock — railway lingo for trains — has come to the workshop.

NER said that the train will have to be re-assembled at the Izatnagar workshop before being deployed for trials. This is because the coach and the wheel-set and other parts like interiors are being sent by truck separately.

The trials should start by the end of May or early June. It will be the first time a completely imported trainset is put on trial on the Indian Railways. While the Vehicle Dynamics Simulation report conducted by Talgo on Indian tracks have certified the speed capability of the tracks at 198 kilometre per hour, railway officials told dna the Mathura-Palwal trial will be at standard speed of 180 kmph. Incidentally, the Mathura-Palwal stretch saw a train at top test speed of 180kmph when the railways had tested the Delhi-Agra Gatimaan Express which at 160kmph is currently India's fastest train.

"One coach will have oscillograph and other speed trial equipment, and the train will be pulled by a WDP4 or WAP5 locomotive capable of pulling to speeds of 180 kmph. The trials will test the stability of the train, its top speed in Indian track conditions and the emergency braking distance. It could herald a new era if the trials are successful," said an official.

Train configuration will test:

Single-axle end coach called TG4 by Talgo
One first class and one VIP coach called TA4
One cafeteria coach called TC4
Four second class coaches called TB4
One end car called TB4z
Total of nine coaches