Vande Bharat
It is an indigenously designed and manufactured semi high speed, self-propelled train
The first Vande Bharat was manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, as part of the ‘Make in India’ programme, at a cost of about Rs. 100 crore.
The first service started between Delhi and Varanasi
Operate without a locomotive and are based on a propulsion system called distributed traction power technology, by which each car of the train set is powered.
These trains, dubbed as Train 18 during the development phase
It can achieve a maximum speed of 160 kmph due to faster acceleration and deceleration, reducing journey time by 25% to 45%.
Passenger amenities including on-board WiFi entertainment, GPS-based passenger information system, CCTVs, automatic doors in all coaches, rotating chairs and bio-vacuum type toilets like in aircraft
It also has an intelligent braking system with power regeneration for better energy efficiency thereby making it cost, energy and environment efficient.
Modernisation of Indian railway
The Indian Government is undertaking several initiatives to upgrade its aging railway infrastructure and enhance its quality of service.
The Railway Ministry has announced plans to invest ₹5,400,000 crore (in 2023) to upgrade the railways by 2030.
Upgrades include 100% electrification of railways,
Upgrading existing lines with more facilities and higher speeds, expansion of new lines,
Upgrading railway stations
Introducing and eventually developing a large high-speed train network interconnecting major cities in different parts of India
Development of various dedicated freight corridors to cut down cargo costs within the country.
The Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) is undertaking all research, designs and standardisation work for modernisation
National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is overlooking the implementation of high-speed train programs across the country
Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) is the agency undertaking development of freight corridors around the country
Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC) is engaged in railway stations upgrade and development programs.
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