PM Modi to Flag off First 8-Coach Vande Bharat Train as Railways Plan to Roll Out 64 Such Trains
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the first 8-coach Vande Bharat train on April 8, with the Chennai-Coimbatore route being the first to operate it. This train will have one executive coach and a capacity of 530 passengers. All other Vande Bharat trains currently in operation have 16 coaches.
According to sources, the Indian Railways is planning to manufacture 64 such 8-coach Vande Bharat trains. This move will expedite the rollout of trains, especially in sectors where the number of passengers is less and running 16-coach trains is financially unviable. Several routes have fewer passengers, and an 8 or 12-car Vande Bharat train would be sufficient to meet their needs.
The railways are working hard to meet the Prime Minister’s target of operating 75 Vande Bharat trains by August 15. The production of the shorter version of the trains will help them put up a better show by that deadline.
The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is India’s first semi-high speed train, and the country’s fastest train. It has a maximum speed of 180 km/h and runs on electricity. The train’s coaches are made of lightweight aluminium, making it more energy efficient and faster.
The Vande Bharat Express was launched in 2019, and it currently operates on several routes, including New Delhi-Varanasi, New Delhi-Katra, and Mumbai-Ahmedabad. The train has received positive feedback from passengers, who appreciate its speed, cleanliness, and comfortable seats.
The introduction of 8-coach Vande Bharat trains will provide more flexibility to the railways and help them cater to the needs of different routes. This move is expected to improve the efficiency of the railway network and enhance the travel experience for passengers.
