The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is a semi-high speed intercity electric multiple unit train of the Indian Railways. It was manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, India and is capable of operating at speeds of up to 160 km/h (99 mph). It began commercial operations in 2019 and is considered a major improvement over previous trains on the Indian Railways network in terms of speed, comfort, and amenities.
The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is a semi-high speed intercity electric multiple unit train of the Indian Railways. It was designed and manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, India as a replacement for the Shatabdi Express trains.
The train was first introduced in 2019, as part of the Indian government’s Make in India initiative, which aims to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported goods. It is considered a major improvement over previous trains on the Indian Railways network in terms of speed, comfort, and amenities.
The train was named after the patriotic song “Vande Mataram” which means “I bow to thee, Mother” and is considered as an expression of love for the motherland. The train is operated by Indian Railways and runs on the high-traffic Delhi-Varanasi route.
Some of the key technologies used in the train include:
Electric Traction: The train is powered by electric traction, which allows for faster acceleration and deceleration compared to diesel-powered trains.
Regenerative Braking System: The train is fitted with a regenerative braking system, which captures the energy generated during braking and uses it to power the train’s onboard systems, thereby reducing energy consumption.
GPS-based Passenger Information System: The train is equipped with a GPS-based passenger information system that provides real-time information about the train’s location, speed, and estimated time of arrival to passengers.
Bio-Vacuum Toilets: The train is equipped with bio-vacuum toilets, which use less water and prevent blockages and spills.
Onboard Wi-Fi: The train provides onboard Wi-Fi to passengers, allowing them to stay connected while travelling.
CCTV cameras: The train is equipped with CCTV cameras for security and passenger safety.
Fire and Smoke Detection and Suppression System: The train is equipped with a fire and smoke detection and suppression system to ensure the safety of the passengers.
Executive class and chair car: The train has lounge car, dining car, executive class and chair car for the luxury of the passengers.
The Vande Bharat Express has several notable features and highlights:
Speed: It is capable of operating at speeds of up to 160 km/h (99 mph), making it one of the fastest trains in India.
Comfort and Amenities: The train has comfortable seating, onboard Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information system, bio-vacuum toilets, and CCTV cameras.
Manufactured in India: The train was manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, India, making it the first train to be designed and manufactured in India under the Make in India initiative.
Energy Efficient: It is fitted with regenerative braking system which saves 30-40% of energy.
Reduced travel time: The train reduces travel time by several hours on certain routes as compared to previous trains.
Safety: The train is equipped with several safety features such as emergency braking system, fire and smoke detection and suppression system, passenger information system, GPS-based passenger information system and CCTV cameras.
Luxury: It has a lounge car, dining car, executive class and chair car.