In a strategic move set to redefine the landscape of rail travel, Indian Railways is gearing up to elevate 40,000 conventional coaches to the esteemed “Vande Bharat standards” in the coming years. This significant transformation was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Union Budget 2024 speech, emphasising the national transporter’s commitment to enhancing passenger safety, convenience, and comfort.
The Vande Bharat Express, inaugurated in 2019 as India’s maiden premium train, has become synonymous with innovation in semi-high-speed travel on the railways. In the face of change, the self-propelled train service is set to inspire a comprehensive upgrade across the railway network.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shed light on the meaning of the Vande Bharat standard upgrade, citing the experience of both Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat coaches. Drawing insights from these avant-garde trains, Indian Railways aims to revolutionise 40,000 coaches by incorporating key features for an enhanced passenger experience.
Key elements of the upgrade include semi-permanent couplers, a safety-enhancing component observed on Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains. Additionally, the revamped coaches will boast charging points for mobiles and laptops, an automatic water measurement system, GPS, CCTV cameras, and other cutting-edge amenities.
Vaishnaw clarified that the upgrade doesn’t entail the conversion of non-AC coaches into air-conditioned ones. Instead, the focus is on elevating the quality of non-AC coaches by enhancing amenities such as upgraded toilets and improved seating arrangements. This strategic approach ensures that passengers across various classes benefit from an improved travel experience without compromising the unique features of each coach category.
This ambitious plan signifies Indian Railways’ commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and passenger-centric innovations. As the nation eagerly anticipates the evolution of rail travel, the Vande Bharat standard upgrade stands as a testament to the railways’ dedication to delivering excellence on the tracks.
