Indian Railways is set to embark on a significant stride towards modernisation with the initiation of trial runs for Vande Metro trains in July and the sleeper version of Vande Bharat slated for next month.
These initiatives mark a pivotal shift in the country’s railway landscape, aiming to enhance connectivity and redefine the travel experience for passengers. The Vande Metro trains are poised to revolutionise short-distance travel, covering routes spanning 100-250 kilometres, while the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will cater to longer journeys, encompassing routes exceeding 1,000 kilometres. These trains are strategically designed to address the evolving needs of passengers, offering enhanced comfort and efficiency. With plans to connect approximately 124 cities, the Vande Metro trains will serve as vital arteries linking urban centres with satellite towns. Identified routes include key corridors such as Lucknow-Kanpur, Agra-Mathura, Delhi-Rewari, Bhubaneswar-Balasore, and Tirupati-Chennai. Equipped with air-conditioned coaches, these trains will accommodate a significant number of passengers in the unreserved category, fostering accessibility and inclusivity in rail travel.
The design of the Vande Metro trains prioritises high acceleration and frequent stoppages, optimising urban transit efficiency. Featuring 12 coaches initially, these trains boast spacious interiors, large automatic doors, and ample standing room for passengers. Moreover, the flexibility to expand to 16 coaches underscores their scalability to meet growing demand. In parallel, Indian Railways is also advancing the Amrit Bharat trains, aiming to operate 50 push-pull variant trains in the current fiscal year. These trains, characterised by affordability and efficiency, cater to long-distance passengers with a unique one-engine-in-front-and-back configuration. The introduction of cone-shaped noses for Amrit Bharat trains by 2026 signifies a futuristic design approach, aligning with global rail standards. Looking ahead, Indian Railways envisions deploying around 400 Amrit Bharat trains, further enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the country. This ambitious endeavour reflects the railway’s commitment to modernisation and innovation, setting the stage for a transformative era in Indian rail travel. As the trials for Vande Metro and Bharat Sleeper trains commence, Indian Railways stands poised to usher in a new era of efficiency, comfort, and connectivity, reaffirming its position as a cornerstone of India’s transportation infrastructure.
