Experience the Future of Travel: Vande Bharat Trains Promote High Speeds Despite Safety Concerns

New Delhi: The Vande Bharat train is a significant advancement in Indian Railways. It’s the first semi high-speed train designed and built in India. This train boasts innovative features, including Kavach, a cutting-edge automated train protection system.

Recently, a report from the Commission of Railway Safety raised alarm bells. It highlighted the dangers of Vande Bharat trains, which can reach speeds of 160 km/h, colliding with cattle on the tracks. These incidents could lead to serious accidents. Notably, the first coach of the train is designed to be lighter than those used in traditional trains, making it potentially more vulnerable during such impacts.

The importance of safety becomes even clearer as Indian Railways plans to boost the speed of conventional trains to match that of Vande Bharat. Southern Railway emphasized that high speed must go hand in hand with robust safety measures.

In response to the report, Southern Railway pointed out the train’s unique design. The Vande Bharat features a cone-shaped nose intended to reduce the energy from collisions. This nose is made from special materials that absorb impact. Additionally, a cattle guard has been installed to help redirect any animals that stray onto the tracks. According to the officials, this design has helped prevent major accidents from cattle strikes.

Since its debut in February 2019, Vande Bharat trains have experienced multiple cattle-related incidents. After reports of these occurrences, Western Railways took action in January 2023, spending around Rs 243 crore to install metal barriers along the busy Mumbai-Ahmedabad route. As a result, over 3,500 kilometers of railway tracks have been secured with fencing.

Moreover, the Commission has made recommendations aimed at improving safety further. This includes eliminating level crossings on Vande Bharat routes, deploying Railway Protection Force personnel in areas where cattle frequent, and constructing subways to facilitate safe animal movement.

M. Senthamil Selvan, Chief Public Relations Officer, praised the Kavach system. He noted that Vande Bharat trains have traveled around 3.5 crore kilometers—equivalent to nearly 870 times the Earth’s circumference—demonstrating a strong record of safety and efficiency.

As of December, there were 136 Vande Bharat services in operation. Furthermore, during the recent budget presentation, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced plans for 200 new Vande Bharat trains to enhance rail travel across the country.

This push for modernization in Indian railways reflects a broader trend towards safer and faster public transport systems. The ongoing focus on safety enhancements is crucial, especially as the railways evolve to meet increasing travel demands.

For those interested in learning more about railway safety, you can refer to the Commission of Railway Safety.

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