The Indian Railways is set to launch new versions of the popular Vande Bharat train series before the end of the fiscal year. The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat will be rolled out by March 2024, with 16 coaches, including air-conditioned 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and first AC coaches. The Vande Metro, a modified and luxurious version of an electric multiple unit (EMU), will be ready by the end of 2023 and will have 10 to 12 AC coaches. These trains will operate as a rapid shuttle-like service between cities, similar to metro trains but over longer distances. Mumbai may be the first city to receive these trains as part of its local train network.
The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat will be designed to travel at a speed of 220 kmph, while the aluminium-made version will run at a speed of 200 kmph. A tender for 400 Vande Bharat trains has been issued, with the first 200 trains having seating arrangements similar to the Shatabdi Express. In the second phase, 200 Vande Bharat trains will be sleepers and made of aluminum. The chair-car Vande Bharat trains will gradually replace the Shatabdi Express, while the sleeper version will serve as an alternative to the Rajdhani Express.
Before the Vande Bharat sleeper trains can run on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata tracks, repairs will be made to the tracks, including the signal system, bridges, and fencing. The launch of the non-air-conditioned push-pull version of the Vande Bharat with 22 coaches and a locomotive is scheduled for October 2024.
The introduction of these new versions of the Vande Bharat and Vande Metro trains aims to provide more options for passengers and improve the overall travel experience. These trains will offer increased comfort and speed, contributing to the development of tourism and the economy. The Indian Railways continues to invest in modernising its train fleet and infrastructure to meet the growing demands of passengers and enhance the efficiency of the rail network.
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