Indian Railways Will Bring New 160 kmph Trains: Vande Bharat Express Is The Catalyst?


Vande Bharat Express or Train 18, which is India’s first self-powered engine-less train is regarded as a successor to the 30-year-old Shatabdi Express. Designed to run at 160 kmph, the Train 18 breached the 180 kmph mark on Sunday during a trial in the Kota-Sawai Madhopur section

The success of Train 18  is one of the factors that inspired the India railway to consider the improvement of the rest of the semi-high speed trains.

According to Rajesh Agrawal, Member Rolling Stock, Railway Board, claims Indian Railways will soon make a mark in the world by entering the world of semi-high speed trains.

The train can reach up to 200 kmph, but there is still time for that as the railway networks would need upgradation to handle the speed.

Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani said, “Within 2018-19 production year, another unit of the train would be manufactured and four more units would be manufactured by end of 2019-20 production year,”

Spectacular Features Of Train 18: The Catalyst?

With innovative features, it is said to reduce the travel time by 15 percent compared to its predecessor Shatabdi. It’s equipped with technical features for enhanced acceleration. Every alternative coach is motorized, so as to ensure even distribution of power and faster acceleration/deceleration.

The footsteps of the coach’s doorway slide outwards to provide safety as well as comfort keeping in mind the difference in the platform and the train’s floor.

Design

Train 18 is fitted with CCTV cameras to ensure the security of the passengers. It would have two executive compartments in the middle with 52 seats each, whereas trailer coaches would have 78 seats each. They are planning to launch sleeper version coaches in the near future as well.

New Trains Coming In With 160 kmph Speed?

As per Rajesh Agrawal, Indian Railways has already started making arrangements to equip all new trains with the same facilities, as that of Train 18, or Vande Bharat Express.

For instance, most of the future trains will have:

  • Modular toilet with the bio-vacuum system
  • Modular luggage rack with a glass bottom
  • Rotating seats that can be aligned in the direction of the travel
  • Coaches would be replaced by electric-multiple units that are also aided with automatic door systems.
  • To provide the passengers with fun and fully entertained ride, all the coaches are provided with Wifi and GPS based passenger information system that will provide them all the information about their travel status.

Train 18 is believed to act as a catalyst for change in railway travel by not only providing faster travel but also more enjoyable and convenient.

Do let us know in the comments below what you think will be the future of railways.

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