Transforming Rail Technology: The Birth of Train 18, Top facts about Vande Bharat Express

Top facts about Vande Bharat Express -The Vande Bharat trains, forged by India’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, stand as a testament to the country’s strides in rail technology. These semi-high-speed marvels, known as the Vande Bharat Express or Train 18, herald a new era in Indian Railways’ technological landscape.

Inspired by the sleek designs of high-speed trains in Japan and Europe, the Vande Bharat Express boasts an aerodynamic lightweight structure, designed to attain a maximum speed of 160 kmph. Currently, these trains operate at a commendable 130 kmph pace, fully powered by electric locomotives. Each train carries two electric locomotives generating 6000 horsepower combined, employing a distributed power system to supply each coach with individual power, enabling increased speed and capacity beyond traditional trains.

In a bid to revolutionize the country’s railway system, Indian Railways, led by Sudhanshu Mani at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), embarked on a groundbreaking project. Faced with unsuccessful foreign proposals for semi-high-speed EMUs, the team decided to develop a new EMU trainset at half the cost of imported models. Originally named ‘Train-2018’ and later rebranded as ‘Train 18’, these trains were envisioned as fully air-conditioned, equipped with automatic plug doors, onboard Wi-Fi, and an array of modern amenities. With sixteen chair cars and an impressive speed of 160 km/h, this train was a promising leap into the future of rail travel, set to eventually replace Shatabdi services.

During its trial phase, Train 18 surpassed expectations, clocking an impressive speed of 183 km/h. This significant feat solidified its position as India’s fastest EMU train, marking a monumental achievement in the pursuit of high-speed, modernized rail transport.

Recognized as Train 18, the Vande Bharat Express is a hallmark of indigenous design, showcasing unique features such as bio-vacuum toilets, onboard Wi-Fi, and fully automatic doors.

These Top facts about Vande Bharat Express effectively outline the distinctive features, advancements, and user-friendly amenities offered by the Vande Bharat Express.

Top facts about Vande Bharat Express

Engineless Design:

• Introduces India’s pioneering train, eliminating a separate engine coach by adopting an integrated engine akin to bullet or metro trains.

Coach Features:

• 16 fully air-conditioned chair car coaches, distinguishing between Economy and Executive classes.
• Executive class amenities include 180-degree revolving chairs and automatic doors with sliding footsteps, mirroring Metro train sophistication.

Onboard Catering:

• Inclusive meal services depending on travel direction: breakfast/lunch or tea/snack/dinner.

Connectivity & Information:

• Equipped with onboard Wi-Fi and GPS-based advanced passenger information systems, offering infotainment and real-time station updates.

Speed & Toilets:

• Capable of speeds exceeding 180 kmph, yet currently operates at a commendable 130 kmph on existing tracks.
• Bio-vacuum toilets installed for both Indian and Western styles, featuring zero discharge and touch-free fittings.

Security & Accessibility:

• All 16 coaches integrated with CCTV cameras for comprehensive passenger security.
• Specifically designed spaces for wheelchair parking, ensuring accessibility for differently-abled passengers.

Cost Efficiency:

• Manufactured under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, resulting in nearly half the cost of similar imported trains.
• Anticipates a further reduction in per coach cost to approximately Rs 5 crore with mass production.

Additional Top facts about Vande Bharat Express:

Passenger Comfort & Convenience:

• Passenger area offers a view of the driver’s cabin.
• Modular racks and fully sealed coach gaps minimize external noise.
• Reading lights with touch control, computerized aerodynamic driver’s cabin, diffused LED lighting, and auto-sensor taps for added convenience.

Safety Measures & Amenities:

• Emergency features include openable windows, fire extinguishers, alarms, and disaster lights.
• Enhanced safety with CCTV surveillance, talk-back units, aerosol-based fire detection, and driver-guard communication with voice recording.

Infrastructure & Facilities:

• Investment of Rs 1343.72 Crores into Vande Bharat trains.
• Includes inbuilt Wi-Fi connectivity, LED lighting, USB charging ports, and bio-toilets.
• Enhanced security with the installation of KAVACH.

Train Specifics:

Passenger Capacity:

• Comprises 16 coaches: a power car, pantry car, and 14 passenger cars.
• Accommodates up to 1,128 passengers, with 56 executive class seats and 1,072 non-executive class seats.

Naming & Inauguration:

• Named after the patriotic slogan “Vande Bharat” and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019.

The inception of the Vande Bharat Express aimed to redefine short-distance travel between major cities, mirroring the intent behind the introduction of the Shatabdi Express in 1988. The objective was to replace existing Shatabdi trains across all routes. However, initial hiccups within the Indian Railways paused the production of new sets after the inauguration of the first two services. Interventions by the Railway Minister reinvigorated the initiative, resulting in the development of second-generation trainsets in 2022, which commenced service on September 30, 2022. Top facts about Vande Bharat Express. The grand plan involves phasing out all Shatabdi Express trains and replacing them entirely with the Vande Bharat trains.

The proposed “Vande Metro” service aims to operate within a short-distance intercity rail network, linking major cities within a 100 km radius. Designed with a speed of 130 km/h and a frequency of 4-5 trips daily, Vande Metro seeks to replace existing MEMU services, facilitating regional rail connectivity between significant cities within a 100–120 km distance. This concept, accommodating 300 passengers per coach with primarily standing room, aligns with the goal of serving mass commutership akin to MEMU, DEMU, and EMU services. By amalgamating EMU traits with contemporary metro amenities, Integral Coach Factory (ICF) plans to unveil the prototype rake of Vande Metro by the end of the Financial Year 2023-24, heralding a transformative shift in short-distance rail travel.

Top facts about Vande Bharat Express

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