Vande Bharat Trains: Revolutionizing Indian Rail Travel
The Indian Railways is on the brink of a significant transformation with the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. These trains are designed for long and medium-distance journeys, enhancing the travel experience for passengers across the country. As of now, ten Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are in production, with the first prototype already manufactured and set for field trials. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize rail travel in India, making it more efficient and comfortable.
Current Status of Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains
The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are a crucial development in Indian Railways’ efforts to improve long-distance travel. Currently, ten of these sleeper trains are under production. The first prototype has been completed and is preparing for field trials. Additionally, the Indian Railways has awarded contracts for the manufacturing of 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper Rakes to technology partners. The rollout of these trains will depend on the successful completion of the trials.
As of December 2, 2024, there are 136 operational Vande Bharat train services on the Broad Gauge electrified network. These services cater to short and medium-distance journeys, showcasing the growing popularity of the Vande Bharat Express. The Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted that these trains are equipped with Chair Cars and have achieved an impressive occupancy rate of over 100% as of October 2024. This indicates a strong demand for these modern trains, which are designed to provide a world-class travel experience.
Advancements in Coach Production
The Indian Railways has made significant strides in coach production, particularly with the introduction of LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches. Since April 2018, all production units have focused exclusively on manufacturing LHB coaches. This shift has resulted in a remarkable increase in production. Between 2014 and 2024, Indian Railways manufactured over 36,933 LHB coaches, a staggering increase compared to just 2,337 coaches produced from 2004 to 2014.
LHB coaches are technologically superior and come with several advanced features. These include an anti-climbing arrangement, air suspension with a failure indication system, and a less corrosive shell. These enhancements not only improve passenger safety but also contribute to a more comfortable travel experience. The focus on LHB coaches reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to modernizing its fleet and ensuring that passengers enjoy a safe and pleasant journey.
Enhancing Accessibility for All Passengers
As part of the “Sugamya Bharat Mission” (Accessible India Campaign), Indian Railways is making significant efforts to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities and passengers with reduced mobility. Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the railways have implemented various facilities to ensure a more inclusive travel experience.
These facilities include ramps, accessible parking, Braille and tactile signages, low-height counters, and lifts or escalators. By November 2024, Indian Railways had installed 1,512 escalators across 399 stations and 1,607 lifts at 609 stations. This marks an impressive increase of nine and fourteen times, respectively, compared to the previous decade.
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