The Railway Board has approved the introduction of a 16-car Vande Bharat Chair Car trainset manufactured at Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, Punjab, with an Alstom propulsion system. The trainset has been cleared to operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph on the Indian Railways network, subject to safety and operational conditions.

The approval applies to tracks that meet the standards prescribed in the Indian Railways Permanent Way Manual, 2024, including geometry requirements for operations at 160 kmph. It follows technical recommendations and clearances from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety.

Zonal railways must comply with the conditions in the final speed certificate before introducing the trainset. Track infrastructure must meet requirements for trains operating above 110 kmph and up to 160 kmph, while the General Manager’s sanction will be required before the train enters service.

The Board has also asked RDSO and RCF to reassess the rating of selected equipment, including the traction motor. The motor in the Alstom-powered trainset is rated at 270 kW, compared with 210 kW in the Medha-powered version and 225 kW in the Siemens-powered version. The Board also raised concerns over single-pole miniature circuit breakers in electrical control cabinets and directed that double-pole units be used in the current and future trainsets.

Other directions cover the proper securing of fire extinguishers, locking of equipment cubicle doors, and the use of fire-resistant cables for CCTV systems and impact-resistant memory modules in future production. Staff must be trained for emergencies, including fires, passenger alarm operations and the use of fire barrier doors. Tools for uncoupling the semi-permanent coupler within 15 min must be included in driver and guard kits.

The driver’s cab must remain locked during operation, while earthing, onboard communication and coach temperatures must be maintained. Passenger safety announcements are to be made in three languages, with provisions and signage for persons with disabilities and senior citizens.