India, Jan. 6 -- Indian Railways is set to conduct trial runs of an 18-coach suburban train for the first time, with the Western Railway (WR) preparing to test the longer rake on the Virar-Dahanu corridor on January 14 and 15.

The trials will assess critical safety and performance parameters, including Emergency Braking Distance (EBD) and coupler forces, for 18-car train formations fitted with three-phase propulsion systems. According to the central railway ministry's communication, rakes manufactured by Bombardier will be tested at speeds of up to 110 kmph, while those produced by Medha Electrics will undergo tests at a maximum speed of 105 kmph on the same stretch. Sources said the coaches will be suitably upgraded to meet requirements...