Introduction
Indian Railways has always been a lifeline for the country, and one of its most remarkable advancements in recent years has been Train 18. This state-of-the-art train, known for its modern amenities and efficient services, has gained immense popularity among travellers. However, change is the only constant, and Train 18 is no exception. In a recent development, it has been renamed to better align with its cultural significance and the aspirations of the Indian people.
Train 18 Renamed as Vande Bharat Express
Ministry of Railway unveil new name 'Vande Bharat Express' for Train 18, recognising its proud 'Made in India' status. He hailed this as a significant stride towards realising the vision of a 'New India.' The remarkable aspect of this train is that it was designed and manufactured in just 18 months as part of the 'Make in India' initiative.
The spotlight is on this train due to its exceptional journey, from concept to production, within a mere 18 months.
Vande Bharat Express is India's first semi-high-speed train, boasting world-class passenger amenities. Its impressive acceleration and deceleration capabilities enable it to reach high speeds, with a maximum speed of 160 kmph, reducing travel time between destinations by 25% to 45%. For instance, the commute between New Delhi and Varanasi is expected to take around 8 hours, making it 40-50% faster than the current fastest trains connecting these cities.
Vande Bharat Express introduces several cutting-edge features that are making their debut on Indian Railways.
Passengers can enjoy state-of-the-art amenities such as onboard Wi-Fi entertainment, a GPS-based passenger information system, CCTV surveillance, bio-vacuum toilets, and rotating chairs in the executive class, all in line with global standards. Moreover, it offers facilities to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
The train comprises 16 coaches with a Chair Car configuration, including 2 Executive Class Chair Cars and 14 Chair Cars.
Furthermore, it incorporates an intelligent braking system with power regeneration to enhance energy efficiency, making it cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. This achievement has garnered interest from countries like France, owing to its affordability.
