Train 18 likely to be launched between New Delhi and Varanasi on Dec 25

New Delhi: The first indigenously-built Train Set could be launched on December 25 to cover the distance from New Delhi to Varanasi.

Since the input cost of the Rs 100-crore train is high, the fare structure will be also be higher than the normal fare.

A senior Railway official said, "Christmas Day also happens to be the birthday of late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and it would be a tribute to the great statesman of the country if we manage to launch the next-generation train on that day."

However, the official added that the decision on its launch date and fare are yet to be taken as the trial is not yet complete.

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According to the tentative plan, the train will start from New Delhi station at 6 a.m., and is expected to reach Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency, at 2 p.m.

For the return journey, the train will start at 2.30 p.m., from Varanasi and reach the national capital at 10.30 p.m.

Equipped with world class facilities, the Rs 100 crore Train Set aims to take passenger-comfort to a new level with onboard WiFi, a GPS-based information system, touch-free bio-vacuum toilets, LED lighting, mobile charging points, and a climate control system that adjusts the temperature according to occupancy and weather.

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The 16-coach train will have two executive compartments with 52 seats each, and trailer coaches will have 78 seats each.