Indian Railways is expanding the operations of the indigenously developed Vande Bharat Express in the country. First launched in 2019, these semi-high-speed trains have been evolving with the expansion of operations. These changes are being made to improve passengers’ comfort, safety, and visual appeal of the locomotives. In the next step of the evolution, Indian Railways will launch Vande Metro for short-distance travel.
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The operations of the train are expected to begin this year. The new short-distance trains will be inspired by Vande Bharat Express trains and will be aimed at providing faster and more rapid air-conditioned commuting for short distances. It is to be noted that these trains are capable of going up to 160 kmph.
However, for short-distance operations i.e., up to 300 km, the speed will be limited to 130 kmph. These trains were conceived as the replacement for the mainline electric multiple unit (EMU) trains. In the latest update, the pictures of the Vande Metro have been shared on social media.
Glimpses of Vande Metro!
To be rolled out shortly on short distance intercity routes. pic.twitter.com/eVln4qDT8p
— The Uttar Pradesh Index (@theupindex) February 3, 2024
The train unit on the production line has the grey and orange seen on the new Vande Bharat trains. Meanwhile, the inside of the train follows a similar theme with overhead space for the luggage. These pictures seem to be from the Integral Coach Factory, where the trains are being manufactured.
To be specific, the Vande Metro trains will have fully air-conditioned coaches, fully sealed gangways, lightweight bodies, cushioned seats, wider automatic plug-in doors, aerodynamic design for driver’s seat, CCTV cameras, PIS system with LCD displays, route indicator displays, panoramic sealed windows, emergency talk back unit, mobile charging sockets, modular toilet, and more.
Based on the information available, the Vande Metro will have all the features of a Vande Bharat Express train. However, unlike the express trains, the chair car will have space for standees. As per reports, it will have space for 100 passengers and 200 standees.