India’s own semi-high-speed train at centre of railway modernisation

Modi govt bets big on sector with bigger budget, technology and station upgrades

NEW DELHI Indians may have to wait before they travel by bullet train but a home-grown, semihigh-speed version called Vande Bharat is picking up speed, becoming the most visible sign of a railway modernisation drive. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Feb 10 flagged off two Vande Bharat trains, which can travel ata maximum speed of 160kmh, from the nation’s financial capital

Mumbai to Solapur a textile hub about 450km away) and Shirdi a major pilgrimage site about 246km away).

“It is a reflection of speed and scale of India’s growth,” he said.

This takes the total number of semi-high-speed trains to 10 since 2019, connecting 17 states.

The government is planning to launch 75 such trains in 2023 before India heads into a general election in 2024, and 400 in three years’ time.

Said a railway ministry official: The basic purpose is that people should get a better experience of the railways. They Vande Bharat) are next-generation trains in terms of speed, facilities and convenience. They cut down travel time compared with other trains) by at least 15 to 20 per cent.

“All major cities will be connected throughout the country,’ added the official.

Fares range from 500 rupees S$8) to just short of 3,000 rupees.

Unlike other trains in India, the Vande Bharat ones have automatic doors, revolving seats, hands-free taps, CCTV cameras and meters for passengers to check the speed.