India’s first Vande Bharat freight train has reached a speed of 130 kmph during a trial run on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central route, marking a significant step in the development of faster rail freight services.
The trial is being conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) along the Ahmedabad-Vadodara-Mumbai Central section of Western Railway.
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Developed by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the 16-coach Vande Bharat Freight EMU has been designed to transport parcels and other goods at higher speeds. It is expected to cater to sectors such as e-commerce, courier services, electronics, pharmaceuticals and cold-chain logistics.
The Railway Ministry said the train is intended to offer a modern alternative to conventional freight services, particularly for shipments that require fast, reliable and time-bound transportation.
The introduction of a dedicated freight version of the Vande Bharat platform could help improve the movement of high-value goods while reducing transportation time on key routes.
The 130-kmph trial is an important milestone as Indian Railways explores faster and more efficient freight operations. Further trials and assessments will determine the train’s operational capabilities before any wider deployment.
