Image Source: ABP News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today flagged off 10 additional Vande Bharat trains, bringing the total count to over 50 and covering 45 routes nationwide. Currently, the Indian Railways operates 41 Vande Bharat Express services, which connect states through Broad Gauge (BG) electrified networks, traversing 24 states and 256 districts. These trains, known for their efficiency and speed, predominantly operate on electrified, broad gauge networks spanning various states.
Among the recent additions, six routes now boast two Vande Bharat trains operating simultaneously. These routes include Delhi-Katra, Delhi-Varanasi, Mumbai-Ahmedabad, Mysuru-Chennai, Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram, and the latest addition, Visakhapatnam–Secunderabad.
Back in December 2023, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated six additional Vande Bharat trains, including the second train connecting Katra to New Delhi. Other routes inaugurated at the time were Amritsar to Delhi, Coimbatore to Bangalore, Mangalore to Madgaon, Jalna to Mumbai, and Ayodhya to Delhi. Additionally, the second train between Delhi and Varanasi commenced operations in December 2023.
Today, Prime Minister Modi also flagged off the extension of four Vande Bharat trains, namely:
– Ahmedabad-Jamnagar extended till Dwarka
– Ajmer-Delhi Sarai Rohilla extended till Chandigarh
– Gorakhpur-Lucknow extended till Prayagraj
– Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod extended till Mangaluru
Delhi emerges as the city hosting the highest number of Vande Bharat trains, with 10 trains terminating there. These trains connect Delhi to various destinations, including Dehradun, Amb Andaura, Bhopal, Ayodhya, Amritsar, and Khajuraho.
New Features of the New Vande Bharat Express
Image Source: ABP News
The enhancement initiative encompasses various improvements aimed at enhancing passenger comfort, safety, and operational efficiency. Among the notable upgrades are adjustments to seat reclination angles, cushion hardness optimization, and a shift in seat color to a more pleasing hue. Accessibility enhancements include better placement of mobile charging points and an extension of footrests for added comfort. Lavatory improvements involve increasing washbasin depth and upgrading toilet lighting and handles for better usability.
Additionally, measures such as standardized colors for toilet panels and provision for wheelchair securing points cater to diverse passenger needs. Technical enhancements like improved fire detection and suppression systems and high-rise pantographs in elevated areas underscore a commitment to safety and reliability. These upgrades collectively contribute to a more enjoyable and secure rail travel experience for passengers while ensuring operational excellence.
Vande Sleeper to operate within 6 months
Image Source: The Hindu
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw , on Saturday announced that Vande Bharat sleeper trains will commence operations within six months. Ten sleeper trains will undergo trial runs in the next four to five months before commercial operations begin. These trains, designed to run at a maximum speed of 160 kmph, boast features like minimal vibration and noise levels, increased capacities, and advanced furnishings. Manufactured under the ‘Make In India’ initiative, the cost of one Vande Bharat coach is estimated to be around Rs 8 to 9 crore, making it more economical than metro trains.
Railway Stations to get a facelift under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
Image Source: Yatri Railways
In a monumental stride towards bolstering India’s railway infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, earlier in the month inaugurated a comprehensive array of projects valued at over Rs 41,000 crore. A focal point of this endeavor is the ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which saw the laying of foundation stones for the redevelopment of 553 railway stations. Spread across 27 states and union territories, these redevelopment projects, with an estimated cost exceeding Rs 19,000 crore, are poised to transform railway stations into vibrant ‘City Centres.’
Emphasizing seamless integration with urban landscapes, these redeveloped stations will offer modern passenger amenities, including roof plazas, landscaped surroundings, intermodal connectivity, improved facades, kids’ play areas, kiosks, and food courts. Environmental sustainability and accessibility for Divyang individuals are core tenets of the scheme, with station designs drawing inspiration from local culture, heritage, and architecture.
The overarching goal of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is to augment station facilities with contemporary infrastructure, creating a more convenient and comfortable experience for passengers. With a substantial government allocation exceeding Rs 24,470 crore, this initiative underscores a steadfast commitment to fortifying India’s transportation backbone.
Integral to the scheme is the formulation of comprehensive Master Plans by Indian Railways, which integrate urban development around railway stations. This holistic approach aims to catalyze overall urban development, with stations serving as pivotal transport hubs.
Key features include dedicated spaces within stations, such as Executive Lounges and areas for small business meetings, catering to diverse passenger needs. Efforts to ensure smooth access encompass infrastructure improvements such as widened roads, removal of unwanted structures, well-designed signages, pedestrian pathways, and enhanced parking facilities.
The scheme prioritizes the construction of high-level platforms across all station categories, alongside provisions for essential amenities like toilets, facilities for Divyangjan, escalators, durable furniture, and free Wi-Fi connectivity. Furthermore, initiatives encompass foot-overbridges, elevators, parking areas, landscaping, an integrated passenger information system, comprehensive signages, platform enhancements, illumination upgrades, robust power supply arrangements, and CCTV surveillance.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme epitomizes Indian Railways’ concerted endeavor to modernize its infrastructure, enhancing the travel experience for millions while fostering urban development synergies nationwide.
