Vande Bharat: A Triumph of Make in India – Exploring the Innovations of Vande Bharat 2.0 and 3.0

India is the seventh-largest country and the most populous nation in the world, which makes transport accessibility crucial. With a railway network of over 68,000 kilometers, India has the fourth-largest railway system globally, after the US, China, and Russia.

Recognizing the importance of rail transport, the Indian government sees it as vital for improving passenger and freight mobility. The government emphasizes creating facilities and adopting technologies through the Make in India initiative, promoting self-reliance in the transport sector.

High-Speed Train Initiatives in India

• In 1960, the Indian Railway Board began studying ways to enhance train speeds, which were capped at 96 km/h on broad gauge tracks.
• A plan was set to incrementally increase train speeds to 120 km/h and later to 160 km/h.
• The Rajdhani Express, launched in 1969, was India’s first high-speed service, achieving speeds of up to 120 km/h.
• In 1988, the introduction of the Shatabdi Express increased speeds to 130 km/h with electric locomotives.

Vande Bharat: A Milestone for Make in India

Vande Bharat Train, previously known as Train 18, is India’s first semi-high-speed train, capable of reaching speeds of 180 km/h. This project illustrates India’s engineering capabilities and commitment to self-reliance. It was a significant step for the Make in India initiative.

Designed as a modern alternative to older services like the Shatabdi Express, Vande Bharat aims to reduce journey times by about 15%. However, current railway tracks are not always suited to sustain such high speeds.

Why Vande Bharat is Successful

Development of Vande Bharat

• The project started after initial foreign proposals were unsuccessful. The Integral Coach Factory in Chennai built the first Vande Bharat trains in just 18 months.
• Originally named Train 18, these trains were designed for trials at speeds up to 180 km/h, with a practical operational limit of 160 km/h.
• The frames are made of stainless steel using passenger car designs localized since 2001.

Vande Bharat 2.0: Upgraded Features

In 2021, Indian Railways launched Vande Bharat 2.0, equipped with new features, achieving speeds up to 180 km/h, while it weighs less than the original model.

New safety measures were added, such as the indigenously developed Kavach system, enhancing train collision avoidance.

Passenger Experience Improvements

• Enhanced comfort with better air conditioning and upgraded passenger information systems.
• Emergency features like additional lighting and upgraded toilets improve travel safety and hygiene.

Future of Vande Bharat Trains

The Indian Railways aims to have 4,500 Vande Bharat trains running by 2047. Currently, 136 trains are in service, connecting cities more efficiently. Interest is growing globally, with nations like Chile and Malaysia looking to adopt similar trains, appreciating their cost-effectiveness compared to foreign models.

Excitingly, India’s first high-speed rail, linking Mumbai and Ahmedabad, will initially use Vande Bharat trains while waiting for the Japanese Shinkansen system to come online. The Railway Ministry is also exploring new signaling systems to accommodate these trains.

The Vande Bharat project showcases India’s potential in domestic train manufacturing. As the country seeks to enhance its economic development and connectivity, these trains significantly contribute to the broader infrastructure, tourism, and job growth in the regions they serve.

By creating efficient rail services, India is not only improving transportation but also boosting local economies, inviting investments, and making travel more enjoyable for everyone.

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