Vande Bharat Trains Renewed Soon
Indian Railways is on the verge of transforming train travel with its ambitious plan to produce 8,000 Vande Bharat coaches in the coming years. Vande Bharat Express, renowned for its semi-high speed and modern amenities, has gained significant popularity among passengers. This article delves into the critical details of this transformative project.
Vande Bharat Express typically consists of 16 coaches, but based on passenger demand, it often operates with just eight coaches on specific routes. Praised for its speed, comfort, and state-of-the-art features, it has become a preferred choice for short-distance journeys.
To meet the increasing demand and provide an impeccable travel experience, the Railway Ministry has approved a massive production plan to introduce 8,000 Vande Bharat coaches. Approximately two-thirds of these coaches will be sourced from the industry, signifying a substantial investment in upgrading rail travel.
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the birthplace of Vande Bharat, has been assigned to invite tenders for 3,200 Vande Bharat sleeper coaches. Previously, all Vande Bharat trains were seat-only coaches. The introduction of sleeper coaches aims to enhance passenger comfort for longer-distance travel.
The ICF will manufacture 1,600 sleeper boxes, while the other two manufacturing units, MCF-Rabareli and RCF-Kapurthala, will each produce 800 boxes. The railway officials expect these new trains to be operational every year until 2030-31.
In the current fiscal year, the number of Vande Bharat rakes is expected to increase from 25 to 75. An estimated 700 Vande Bharat boxes are slated for production this year, with plans to manufacture around a thousand more in the following fiscal year of 2024-25.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav recently announced the rollout of the first sleeper version of Vande Bharat by early 2024. This sleeper variant will efficiently connect cities over longer distances, providing a comfortable alternative to trains like Rajdhanis.
The introduction of the sleeper version of Vande Bharat aligns with the Indian Railways' vision to phase out the old ICF-type coaches gradually. The railway network envisions only two types of coaches in circulation - the Vande Bharat and Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches.
The advancement of the Vande Bharat Express project involves collaborations with foreign companies. Russian rolling-stock major TMH, along with India's Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd, has secured a contract to manufacture 120 Vande Bharats, including the much-anticipated sleeper version. Additionally, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been awarded a contract to manufacture 80 units of the same variant.
The grand vision of producing 8,000 Vande Bharat coaches marks a significant stride in transforming rail travel in India. With modern amenities, semi-high speed, and the addition of sleeper coaches, Vande Bharat Express promises to get passengers a comfortable and enjoyable journey. As the railways progress towards a more advanced and efficient travel experience, the nation eagerly awaits the rollout of these futuristic coaches.