In recent years, India has taken significant strides towards modernizing its transportation infrastructure. Whether it is construction of new highways, expansion of airports or upgrading railways, government is working towards providing efficient and comfortable travel options to its citizens. One of most ambitious projects of Indian Railways is Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, which was launched in February 2019. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this train, its features and how it is changing face of railway travel in India.
Introduction of Vande Bharat Express
Vande Bharat Express is India’s first semi-high speed train, which has been designed and manufactured entirely in India. It runs between two cities of New Delhi and Varanasi and covers distance of 780 km in just 8 hours which is almost 40% faster than current fastest train on this route. The train comprises of 16 coaches, including two executive chair cars and 14 non-executive chair cars, with a seating capacity of 1,128 passengers.
Design and Features of Vande Bharat Express
Vande Bharat Express has been built with latest technological advancements, making it one of most advanced trains in country. Its exterior design is inspired by the bullet trains of Japan, with a sleek and aerodynamic body that reduces air resistance and vibrations. The train has been equipped with several state-of-art features which include:
1) Automatic sliding doors: The train has automatic sliding doors at every coach making it easy and convenient for passengers to enter and exit train.
2) GPS-based audio : visual passenger information system: The train has GPS-based audio-visual passenger information system, which provides real-time information to passengers about train’s location, speed and upcoming stations.
3) Vacuum toilets: It has introduced vacuum toilets in India for the first time, ensuring hygiene and cleanliness on the train.
4) On-board pantry: The train has on-board pantry, which serves hot and fresh meals to passengers during journey.
5) Wi-Fi and infotainment: The train also provides free Wi-Fi services and infotainment systems in every coach, allowing passengers to stay connected and entertained during journey.
Impact of Vande Bharat Express
The introduction of Vande Bharat Express has brought about numerous positive impacts on Indian Railways and the passengers. Some of the major impacts are listed below:
1) Increased speed and efficiency: With speed of 160 km/hour, Vande Bharat Express has reduced travel time between New Delhi and Varanasi by almost 3 hours. This has facilitated better connectivity and increased efficiency in transportation.
2) Improved passenger experience: The introduction of vacuum toilets, automatic doors, and on-board pantry has greatly improved the passenger experience. Passengers can now travel in comfort and luxury, which was not possible earlier.
3) Local Employment: The development and manufacturing of this train involved the participation of various Indian companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises. This has generated employment opportunities and boosted the local economy.
4) Technological advancements: This train is a testament to India’s growing technological capabilities. The train incorporates cutting-edge technology and features, which were earlier only seen in developed countries.
Challenges faced by Vande Bharat Express
Although Vande Bharat Express has been well received, it has also faced some challenges in its operation. Some of the major challenges faced by the train are:
1) High operating costs: This train has high operating costs due to its state-of-art features and technology. The fares of train are also higher than other trains on this route, which makes it inaccessible for some passengers.
2) Maintenance and repair: The train’s advanced technology and design require specialized maintenance and repair services, which can be expensive and difficult to arrange.
3) Safety and security: With increased speed and modern technology, ensuring the safety and security of passengers becomes a significant challenge. The train’s operators have to adhere to strict safety protocol to avoid any mishaps.
Conclusion
Vande Bharat Express is a remarkable achievement in the history of Indian Railways. The train combines speed, comfort, and technology to provide passengers with a premium travel experience. It has not only improved connectivity between two of most important cities in India but has also boosted country’s technological capabilities. Although it faces some challenges, Vande Bharat Express is a significant step towards modernizing India’s transportation infrastructure and providing its citizens with world-class travel options.
