India's third Vande Bharat Train touches 180kmph speed during trial test run

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): In a milestone achievement, the third rake of Vande Bharat Express last week touched the 180 kmph speed limit during the trial test run between Kota-Nagda section of the Western Railway division.

The Vande Bharat Express (previously known as Train 18) is India’s first indigenously developed locomotive-less train and will go on to replace the current Shatabdi Express, which is a day train. The train has breached 180 kmph speed limit on its test run, as per the Union Minister of Railways, Ashwani Vaishnaw.

He tweets, “Vande Bharat speed trial started between Kota-Nagda section at 120/130/150 & 180 Kmph.” The Vande Bharat Train can reach 200 kmph if the rest of the Indian Railways system, such as tracks and signals, allow it. Earlier, the train has passed all advanced safety test as per the Kavach standard.

The Vande Bharat train will have the same passenger carrying capacity as the Shatabdi Express, with 16 coaches. It has aerodynamically designed driver cabins on both ends for faster destination turnaround.

The Vande Bharat train has an advanced regenerative braking system that conserves energy. The fully air-conditioned train provides better passenger comfort and safety because all equipment is fixed beneath the carriage, allowing for more space on board.

After a successful 110-kilometer trial run, the second phase of this new began on the Kota-Nagda section. This trial run will take place over a 225-kilometer stretch between Kota and Nagda railway stations, with the train traveling at its top speed of 180 kmph.

Once the trial run is completed, a report will be sent to the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). Following the safety clearance received from the CRS, Indian railways will place the train for the passenger service on a new route. However, no official decision has been made yet on this. However, sources are claiming that the new rake of Vande Bharat Express will run between Ahmedabad and Mumbai as the proposed Bullet Train on this route us getting delay year by year.

The new version of Vande Bharat trains will have automatic fire sensors, CCTV cameras, and GPS systems to make travel safer and more comfortable. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai has set the goal of producing 75 Vande Bharat trains by August 2023.

According to Railways, the lighter coaches on the new trains would make travel more comfortable than on previous trains. The coaches are constructed of stainless steel. Because of the lighter weight, the passengers would be more comfortable even at high speeds. There are also automatic gates controlled by the pilot. The windows are large, and there is more room for luggage. The toilet that is installed will be cutting-edge.