Vande Metro
| Vande Metro | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Service type | Inter-city rail |
| Status | Final Stages before Operations |
| Predecessor | MEMU |
| Website | indianrail |
| Route | |
| Distance travelled | 100–250 km (62–155 mi) |
| Line(s) used | 0 |
| On-board services | |
| Seating arrangements | Yes |
| Catering facilities | No |
| Observation facilities | Wide windows |
| Baggage facilities | Overhead racks |
| Other facilities | |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) |
| Electrification | 25 kV 50 Hz AC via Overhead line |
| Operating speed | 130 km/h (81 mph) (maximum) |
| Average length | 8–16 Coaches |
Vande Metro (unofficial name) is a proposed service that will operate on a short-distance, inter-city rail network to connect major cities within a distance of around 100–250 km (62–155 mi).[1] Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, Punjab, has rolled out the first prototype Basic Unit (4 coaches) of Vande Metro on April 2024.
Trainset
[edit]The trainset which is based on Vande Bharat will consist of 16 air-conditioned coaches and can reach speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph)[2] with each coach accommodating 300 passengers, with 100 seats and space for 200 standing passengers. These coaches will include features like automatic plug doors, touch-free doors, wheelchair-accessible lavatories, a passenger talkback system, fire and smoke detectors, and the Kavach collision prevention system. These trains aim to improve passenger comfort, safety, and accessibility for very short distance intercity travel in India.[3][4][5]
Engineering
[edit]The Vande Metro is an advanced, self-propelled train set, akin to the Vande Bharat Express, eliminating the need for a separate locomotive. Designed to replace Mainline EMU trains, its primary aim is to offer passengers faster and more comfortable travel options. With a top operational speed of 130 km/h (81 mph)[2], achieved through rapid acceleration technology, it will surpass the current running MEMUs.
Each coach will feature lightweight, cushioned seats accommodating 100 seated passengers and space for 200 standing. Fully air-conditioned and equipped with modern amenities, including sealed gangways for easy movement, the Vande Metro promises a premium travel experience. It will also boast aluminium luggage racks, LCD displays for passenger information, automatic doors, mobile charging sockets, diffused lighting, route displays, and panoramic windows with roller blinds. [6]
Safety features include the KAVACH anti-collision system, CCTV cameras, Emergency talk-back units, fire detection systems, and modular bio-vacuum toilets. Initially, the trainsers will consist of 12 to 16 coaches depending on route demand, with planned operations on routes like Agra-Mathura, Delhi-Rewari, Lucknow-Kanpur, Tirupati-Chennai, and Bhubaneswar-Balasore. Announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in February 2023, prototypes are currently under construction at RCF Kapurthala and ICF Chennai, set for rigorous testing ahead. [7][8]
Trial runs
[edit]With the trainsets getting into the final stages, according to higher officials, trial runs for the trainsets are scheduled for July 2024. These trials will focus on metropolitan cities, satellite cities, and large urban centers. The trains will run on the existing tracks of Indian Railways.[9][10][11] With ICF officials' latest articles, these trainsets could mostly be put to operate between Chennai - Tirupati double line which comes under Southern Railways (SR). [12]
Services
[edit]Proposed services
[edit]| # | Service | Zone | Distance | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mumbai Suburban Railway | CR & WR | 427.5 km (265.6 mi) | [13] |
| 2 | Lucknow–Kanpur | NR | 72 km (45 mi) | [9] |
| 3 | Chennai–Tirupati | SR | 147 km (91 mi) | [9] |
| 4 | Agra–Mathura | NR | 54 km (34 mi) | [9] |
| 5 | Bhubaneswar–Balasore | ECoR | 206 km (128 mi) | [14] |
| 6 | Delhi–Rewari | NR | 82 km (51 mi) | [14] |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "RCF to roll out first prototype of Vande Metro coach by April: S Srinivas". Business Standard. 11 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ a b "Vande Metro: Indian Railway Gears Up To Roll Out High-Speed New Intercity Train With 130 kmph Operational Capability". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ "Vande Metro coach prototype to be revealed soon! Know RCF's ambitious plans – All about design, features, and convenience here". The Financial Express (India). 11 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "Kapurthala's Rail Coach Factory aims to roll out first prototype of Vande Metro coach by April". The Tribune (India). 11 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "RCF aims to roll out first prototype of Vande Metro coach by April, says its general manager". The Economic Times. 11 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "Increasing train coaches, Vande Metro among Vaishnaw's target for the year". Hindustan Times. 15 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "Vande Bharat sleeper & Vande Metro: Indian Railways to launch two new trains soon; top specials facts you must know". The Times of India. 16 June 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ www.ETInfra.com. "Vande Metro set to hit the tracks soon! Trial runs to begin in July - Know the routes, features, speed and more - ET Infra". ETInfra.com. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d Mishra, Twesh (27 April 2024). "Vande Metro trial runs to begin in July 2024". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "India to get its first Vande Bharat Metro soon! Trial run to start in July – Details inside". Financialexpress. 28 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "Cutting-Edge Vande Metro Trains To Be Rolled Out Soon; Trials Begin In July: Check Details, Routes Here". www.india.com. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ Karthikeyan, K. (15 May 2024). "Vande Metro in final stages, to be rolled out from ICF Perambur in 2 months". www.dtnext.in. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ "Mumbai Infra Boost: AC Vande Metro to Replace Mumbai Local Trains - All you need to know". Times Now. 24 June 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
- ^ a b "Trials for short distance Vande Metro to begin in July". Times of India. 27 April 2024.
