The last Vande Bharat Express Train was introduced in India on September 16, 2024. Since then, there haven’t been any new additions to the fleet for over six months.
Many railway fans and travelers are curious about the delay in launching new Vande Bharat Express trains. This once-active program has hit a slowdown, leading to questions and speculation. Let’s explore the reasons behind this pause in expansion.
Manufacturing Issues
A major reason for the delay is ongoing manufacturing struggles. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, responsible for making these trains, is facing difficulties. They are having trouble sourcing essential parts, such as high-speed bogies and advanced control systems. Global supply chain issues, worsened by recent world events, have further complicated this situation.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Indian Railways is also focused on upgrading existing rail infrastructure. Many routes planned for new Vande Bharat services need improvements to safely handle these high-speed trains. Until these upgrades are finished, launching new routes isn’t feasible.
Shift in Focus
The rail authorities are prioritizing a new sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express, aimed at improving long-distance travel. This redesigned model, set to debut in late 2025, is taking precedence over additional chair car variants. The development and testing of this sleeper version is contributing to the stall in new launches.
Maintenance Challenges
As more Vande Bharat trains have come into service, the need for effective maintenance has increased. These semi-high-speed trains require specific upkeep, leading the Indian Railways to establish new maintenance facilities and train staff. The delay in setting up these resources is impacting the rollout of new trains.
Looking Ahead
Even though no new Vande Bharat trains have been launched recently, the government is still committed to expanding the fleet. Reports suggest that fresh announcements may come in mid-2025, particularly focusing on connecting smaller cities.
In the meantime, existing challenges are being addressed. This strategy should ensure smoother introductions of new services down the line. Once the infrastructure is upgraded and manufacturing hiccups are resolved, passengers can look forward to new routes and enhancements in their travel experience.
As we wait for the next chapter in the Vande Bharat journey, it’s clear that a lot is happening behind the scenes to improve and expand India’s railway services.
Check out this related article: Experience India’s First Corporate Train: Unveiling the Exclusive Route, Affordable Ticket Prices Starting at Rs…, and All You Need to Know!
Source link