Vande Bharat Express to get new features by 2022

23 Aug 2021 CW Team

According to officials familiar with the initiative, the next generation of Vande Bharat trains will be commercially accessible from June 2022 onwards, with better amenities, upgraded seats, security and surveillance systems, and emergency features.

Senior officials revealed that the prototype rake is expected to be delivered in March 2022, with commercial operation beginning in June 2022.

Among the new passenger amenities/safety features planned for the current Vande Bharat Express are four emergency windows for easy evacuation of passengers in the event of an emergency, disaster lights in all coaches that will be used if all other lights fail, and emergency push buttons increased to four per coach.

A Centralised Coach Monitoring System will monitor all electrical, climate control, and other critical train systems.

The new buses will also feature a push-back mechanism for reclining seats, which will be a significant upgrade. The seating comfort level of the Vande Bharat trains first two rakes had been a source of contention.

Fire survival cables will be installed in the door circuits of the new trains.

If the power supply to the roof-mounted AC package unit fails, the coaches will have three hours of ventilation.

According to the source described above, it will also have improved availability, a more reliable and bacteria-free air conditioning system, and increased flood protection of underframe equipment to assure reliability during monsoons.

In honour of the ongoing Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Independence Day that 75 new Vande Bharat Express trains will be launched in 75 weeks to connect all parts of the country.

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