With the latest edition of Vande Bharat semi superfast train about to begin it’s journey from Kerala’s capital Trivandrum to the coastal city of Kannur, rail journey in India is all set for a revolutionary change and that too within a short period of time , Vande Bharat trains or train 18 (technical name) has undoubtedly redefined the Indian train journey. These semi speed trains are definitely the beginning of a new railway era, no doubt.
It was on February 15,2019 when the first VB train began its journey and just after four years train-18s have started running across several parts of the country and many more are getting ready to run in all the states of the nation.
The trainset with all modern facilities was developed in the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai and has become a game changer for Indian Railways.
In his address to the nation on 15 August 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that during the 75 weeks of the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, 75 Vande Bharat trains will connect every corner of the nation.
To make this promise come true, the railways have taken expeditious steps to manufacture more train sets. At present, besides the Integral Coach Factory in Perambur, Vande Bharat trains will also be manufactured at three new manufacturing facilities in Sonepat, Latur and Rae Bareilly.
The Indian Railways plans to operate a total of 900 Vande Bharat Trains in the next 4-5 years.
The arousing welcome given by the citizens , for India’s first semi-high speed train equipped with world class passenger amenities, is truly proof enough on how Indians take pride in this indigenous transportation vehicle .
These trains achieve high speeds due to faster acceleration and deceleration and can reduce journey time by 25% to 45%. Hi tech
Features and Amenities in Vande Bharat Express trains include – intelligent braking system, kavach protection for extra safety, automatic doors, GPS based audio-visual passenger information system, bio-vacuum toilets, type on-board hotspot Wi-Fi for entertainment purposes, high class comfortable seating, catering and the list goes on and on.
The new train sets are also energy efficient as they save about 30 per cent of electricity with advanced regenerative braking system. The train’s air conditioning is also energy-efficient and saves 15 per cent energy.
That the Modi government has allocated a whopping Rs 2.40 lakh crore in the Union Budget 2023-24, for modernising the Railways and special focus given on semi speed trains, the country is sure to witness a dynamic revolution in rail travel.
The railways are now on it’s way to launch VB trains with sleeper coaches to make long distance travel fast and comfortable.
The Railways are also planning to introduce Vande Metro trains by 2024, for local and suburban services across the country.
All these goes to show that rail journeys are going to be faster, safer, comfortable and an experience in itself.
