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Vande Bharat Express - The new era of travelling in Indian Railways

There was a time when we used to dream about Bullet Train running in India. Well, as of today the construction of India’s first bullet train is going on a fast pace between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. It’s a long way to go, but there is already a trainset running, equivalent to bullet train, known as the “Vande Bharat Express.” Read on to find out more about this train.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------Introduction About Vande Bharat:

The Vande Bharat Express (Formerly Train18), is an emu (electric multiple – unit) train being managed by Indian Railways. This train comes under semi high-speed category that can achieve speeds up to 160 km/hr. The first train was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 17,2019 that is running from New Delhi to Varanasi.

It has become popular among passengers as well as critics. They make sure to click photos of this train, especially near cabin. And the train is being praised for its speed, comfort level, amenities, and other features. This train is also behind the reason for boosting tourism in India.

As per the plan, gradually more Vande Bharat train services would be introduced in the coming years. As per the Indian railway’s expectations, these trains will play a lead role in improving the travelling experience for passengers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------Additional details about Vande Bharat Express:

The train has 16 coaches in total, 14 ac chair cars and 2 ac executive chair cars.

There are also 8 coacher Vande Bharat trains, Coach composition - 7 ac chair cars and 1 ac executive chair car.

The capacity of carrying passengers in 16 coacher is 1,128 while for 8 coacher it is 530.

Top speed of this train is 160 km/hr.

Vande Bharat has been introduced as to cover the two major cities within a day’s time, a concept similar to Shatabdi express.

For instance, the train journey between Mumbai Central and Gandhi Nagar is 6 hours and 25 minutes.

Ticket fare for ac chair car is ₹1255 and ₹2435 for executive ac chair car.

It is a significant achievement for Indian railways. Vande Bharat is a symbol of India’s upgrading technology and is committed to provide the world class services to its citizens.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------History of Vande Bharat:

It was in 2016 when Indian railways decided to develop a new semi high – speed train. The codename for this project was called as “Train 18”.

Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai took the responsibility for developing Train18. Manufacturing of train coaches and train sets takes places here, also known as the railway manufacturing unit in India. This coach factory has developed and designed several trains, some of them are – Rajdhani, Durunto, Shatabdi etc.

It took around 2 years to develop Train18. Thereafter a number of trials was performed by Train18, and the trials was successful. Later, the train was cleared for commercial runs and the first Vande Bharat express ran on February 2019 by prime minister Narendra Modi.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------Vande Bharat 2.0:

Vande Bharat 2.0 is the upgraded version of Vande Bharat express – the semi high speed train that was introduced in India in the year 2019. The new trains have good number of improvements such as: -

A lighter design, making the train faster and fuel – efficient.

The train is equipped with Train Collision Avoidance System (Also known as KAVACH), and other new safety features.

Improvement in passenger amenities that includes – large seats, more legroom and better air conditioning.

The first “Vande Bharat 2.0” was flagged off by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on September 30th, 2022, Between Gandhinagar and Mumbai Central. The introduction of Vande Bharat 2.0 is a major step forward for Indian Railways, and it is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the country's transportation sector.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------Design of Vande Bharat:

Each coach has its own motor and is powered by distribution traction power technology. This allows the train to accelerate and decelerate quickly and to reach the maximum speed.

It is the aerodynamic design that makes it famous among people. The Vande Bharat is shaped like a bullet with a smooth and rounded front that will help to reduce the air resistance. This makes train to run with more efficient and will also help to reduce the noise pollution.

The interior of Vande Bharat is designed to provide passengers more comfort. The seats are made of leather and are arranged in 3 + 2 seat configuration for ac chair car and 2 + 2 seat configuration for ac executive chair car. Plenty of legroom is provided and the seats are reclined to provide more comfortable ride.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------Amenities / Services provided in Vande Bharat Express:

Automatic doors: This train has automatic sliding doors that opens and closes at each station. This makes easy for passengers to enter and exit the train, and also helps to reduce risk of accidents.

Power outlets: Each seat has power outlet so that passengers can charge their devices on the train during journey.

LED lighting: The train is equipped with LED lights that provide a comfort atmosphere for passengers.

Bio – vacuum toilets: The train has bio vacuum toilets that uses less water and are more friendly than traditional toilets.

Revolving seats: The executive ac chair seat can be rotated to 180 degrees, and passengers can face each other during the journey.

Wi – Fi connectivity: The train is equipped with Wi – Fi.

Food: Food services are avaible.

The Indian government is working to improve the track conditions, signalling system, and weather conditions in India. This will help to increase the speed of trains, including the Vande Bharat Express. The train has been a major success, and the Indian government is planning to upgrade the train in the future.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------Future upgrades of Vande Bharat:

Increased speed: The government is planning to increase the speed of the Vande Bharat Express to 200 kmph. This will make the train the fastest train in India.

Improved safety features: The Indian government is planning to improve the safety features of the Vande Bharat Express. This includes installing a Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and a Driverless Train Operation (DTO) system.

New amenities: The Indian government is planning to add new amenities to the Vande Bharat Express. This will include installing Wi-Fi, power outlets, and entertainment systems in all coaches.

Use of lighter materials: The use of lighter materials, such as aluminium, could make the train even faster and more fuel-efficient.

Installation of solar panels: This could help to reduce the train's reliance on fossil fuels.

Integration with other modes of transportation: The train could be integrated with other modes of transportation, such as buses and metro systems, to provide a memorable travel experience for passengers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------The future of the Vande Bharat Express is bright. The train has the potential to revolutionize India's transportation sector and make it easier and more convenient for people to travel around the country.

-Aranya sarkar