Vande Bharat Train: A Revolution in Indian Railways since 2019

The Vande Bharat train (or Train 18) is one of the major landmarks in the history of Indian railways. This semi-high speed train, launched on 15 February 2019 was conceptualised and designed under the Make in India programme to demonstrate the capability of India at the cutting edge of contemporary rail technology.

The first service operated between New Delhi and Varanasi for 759 km over 8 hours and provided, with significant improvements in travel time, thus offering one possible alternative to previous services such as the Shatabdi Express.

Historical Background

The development of the Vande Bharat Express began with the unveiling of its prototype in October 2018. Once after several successful test runs, the train was made officially available in the beginning of 2019.

The development of this train represented an evolution towards locally manufactured high-speed rail technology aimed at improving both comfort and operational efficiency of passengers. The Vande Bharat Network has grown exponentially since its inception, with over 4,500 trains scheduled by 2047.

Vande Bharat Train Routes

The Vande Bharat Express runs on some of the main routes in India, which are planned to enable effective connectivity of major cities. Some of the notable routes include:

New Delhi Varanasi: The first route, covering 759 km including stops at Kanpur and Prayagraj.
New Delhi Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra: This track is 655 km long and contains the stops Ambala Cantt and Jammu Tawi.
Gandhinagar Mumbai: Covering 522 km in about 6 hours and 20 minutes.
Kasaragod Thiruvananthapuram: An important route in Kerala of about 574 km with many pitstops.
Patna Howrah: This well known route is 532 km long and will take about 6 h and 35 min.

As the train can reach speeds of up to 160km/h, travel time is greatly improved on the compared to standard trains. The average operational speed is about 130 km/h, and it represents one of the fastest means of intercity traveling options in India.

Ticket Prices for Vande Bharat Train

The ticket fare of Vande Bharat Express is priced competitively while giving premium travelling experience. Prices can be different for different seasons and routes and classes of service:

Chair Car Class: Generally with a distance, ticket price ranges between ₹1,000- ₹2,500.
Executive Class: Price may range between ₹2,500 and ₹5,000.

Reservations are done through the Indian Railways website and are also available at railway stations. Since these trains are so popular, travelers should plan out in advance to get tickets.

Interior Features of Vande Bharat Train

Interior design of the Vande Bharat train is focused on passenger comfort and modern features. Key features include:

Spacious Seating: The train provides both Chair Car and Executive Class arrangements for seating. The seats in Executive Class type are rotatable, which means passengers can adapt their position such that they face the travelling direction.
Bio-Vacuum Toilets: Similar to those fitted in airplanes, these toilets guarantee hygiene and usability.
Automatic Doors: Automatic doors are provided for all coaches to facilitate easy access.
Wide Windows: Providing panoramic views during travel.
Onboard Wi-Fi: Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi services during their journey.
GPS-Based Passenger Information System: This system offers an up- to-date information on the time of stops and travel time.
Regenerative Braking System: This novel function increases energy savings through energy recovery in braking.

General design is focused on safety and practicality, and hence it is a first choice for travellers that aim on comfortable travel.

Benefits of Vande Bharat Trains

The introduction of Vande Bharat trains has several benefits that contribute positively to the Indian rail network:

Reduced Travel Time: Having speeds up to 160 km/h, these trains save journey times considerably over more conventional trains.
Energy Efficiency: The self-propulsion system of these trains can be seen to use about 30% less energy than traditional services such as the Shatabdi Express.
Enhanced Comfort: Modern amenities make for a pleasant travel experience.
Economic Growth: The production of these trains directly employs people and gives life to local economies.

Future Plans for Vande Bharat Trains

Looking ahead, Indian Railways plans to increase the Vande Bharat fleet manifold. The government has proposed the development and manufacture of another 400 new Vande Bharat trains in the near future.

This expansion would not only enhance connectivity but also improve operational efficiency in Indian Railways.

Key Features of Future Models

Future models of Vande Bharat train are foreseen to include even more sophisticated technologies:

Aluminium Body Construction: This will save weight by 40-80 tonnes in trainset, increasing potential speed and reducing energy.
Improved Safety Features: Enhanced safety measures will be integrated into future designs.
Expanded Route Network: New transport routes will be established, linking new cities and regions.

Conclusion

The Vande Bharat Express train is not just a train; it symbolizes India in its commitment to taking the railway infrastructure of the country to the next level while being acceptable to passengers to offer smooth travel and comfort. With innovative design, advanced technologies, and strategic routes, it plays a crucial role in transforming rail travel in India.

Interested in Travelling? Then read more Travel related Articles here.