Sudhanshu Mani, former General Manager of Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, shares the story of the development of India's first indigenously built high-speed train. Mani oversaw the design and construction of this groundbreaking train, which has since been named Vande Bharat Express.
Mani begins his talk by discussing the challenges faced by the Indian railway system, which is one of the largest in the world. With over 22 million passengers commuting daily, there was a need for a modern, high-speed train that could offer a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
With this goal in mind, Mani and his team set out to design and build Train 18, which was named so as the train was launched in October 2018, 2 months before the retirement of Sudhanshu Mani. The train was built entirely in India, using local materials and expertise. It was designed to operate at speeds of up to 180 km/h.
One of the biggest challenges faced by Mani and his team was to ensure that the train met the safety and quality standards required for high-speed travel. With this in mind, the train was fitted with state-of-the-art safety features, including an automatic fire detection and suppression system and a remote monitoring system that allowed for real-time tracking of the train's performance.
Another significant achievement of the project was reducing the train's carbon footprint. Using lightweight materials and state-of-the-art technologies, the train significantly reduced energy consumption and emissions. This makes it an eco-friendly mode of transportation and helps reduce the strain on India's already overburdened transportation system.
Mani's talk highlights the importance of innovation and collaboration in driving progress and development. The success of Train 18 is a testament to the talent and dedication of the engineers and workers involved in the project, as well as to the support of the Indian government and the people of India.
Overall, Mani's talk is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. The story of Train 18 is a proud moment for India and a shining example of the country's potential for growth and development.
Credits
Somesh Khandelwal
Batch 2022-24
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