Indian Railways | Vande Bharat
Indian Railway is rolling up its sleeves for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train and Vande Metro for long-distance and short-distance travel respectively. It is meant to enhance the rail network along with more transportation options for people. BG Mallya, General Manager of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), shared details of these upcoming trains.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains & Vande Metro
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains are a notable expansion of the Indian Railways’ fleet. Designed for long-distance travel, these high-speed sleeper trains will enable passengers to cover significant distances comfortably overnight. Production of the first Vande Bharat sleeper train has commenced and is scheduled for rollout in March 2024, marking a significant development in rail travel.
#WATCH | Indian Railways to launch sleeper version of Vande Bharat Express
— ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2023
B G Mallya, General Manager of Integral Coach Factory says, "We'll be launching the sleeper version of the Vande within this financial year. We'll also be launching the Vande Metro in this financial year.… pic.twitter.com/49q61cScIb
In addition to the sleeper trains, the ICF is also working on the Vande Metro, a 12-coach train designed for short-distance travel. This efficient mode of transportation is expected to be introduced by January 2024. The Vande Metro will cater to passengers seeking swift and convenient urban transit options.
Non-AC Push-Pull Train
Another exciting addition to the rail network is the non-AC push-pull train, consisting of 22 coaches and a locomotive. This train is designed to accommodate non-air-conditioned passengers and is scheduled for launch before October 31. Its introduction signifies Indian Railways’ commitment to providing a diverse range of travel choices to cater to passengers’ preferences.
The journey of the Vande Bharat Express began on February 15, 2019, when the Prime Minister inaugurated the first route between New Delhi and Varanasi. These trains are proudly manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
More about the Train
The initiative to create indigenous semi-high-speed train sets commenced in mid-2017, and within just 18 months, the ICF Chennai successfully completed Train-18. To emphasize its Indian origin, the train was renamed Vande Bharat Express in January 2019. Notably, the Vande Bharat Express achieved a remarkable top speed of 180 kmph during trials on the Kota-Sawai Madhopur section.
Thus, the Indian Railways’ introduction of the Vande Bharat sleeper trains and Vande Metro showcases its commitment to enhancing rail travel across the country. For long-distance and short-distance journeys, these are great additions for the passengers. We hope the Vande Bharat continues its legacy to shape the future and provide speed, innovation, and convenience to the users.
