In a bold stride towards modernizing India’s railway fleet, the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala has commenced production of the highly anticipated Vande Bharat coaches. This initiative marks a pivotal enhancement in the nation’s semi-high-speed train network, aiming to boost passenger comfort, elevate travel speeds, and reinforce safety standards.
General Manager SS Mishra highlighted the significance of the move, stating, “It is a significant step in expanding India’s fleet of semi-high-speed trains, aimed at improving passenger comfort, train speed and safety.” This statement reflects the factory’s commitment to advancing rail travel technology while responding to the growing demand for efficient and secure public transport.
The new Vande Bharat coaches come on the heels of last year’s production of a Vande Metro rake, designed specifically for short-distance intercity services. With the new coaches, passengers can expect a host of improvements including better seating arrangements, enhanced acceleration capabilities, onboard entertainment systems, and state-of-the-art safety features. Notably, the rakes will incorporate a crashworthy design in the underframe, setting a new benchmark in rail safety.
Officials at RCF further detailed that the inaugural Vande Bharat train will consist of 20 coaches featuring chair car seating, a design choice that prioritizes both comfort and efficiency for long-distance journeys. This development signals a major upgrade in the rail infrastructure, as the production lines shift focus to meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving transport landscape.
The project has received strong political backing. Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Bittu, visited the RCF just six months ago during the production phase of the first 16-coach Vande Metro rake. At that time, he had announced that the factory would kick off the production of the Vande Bharat coaches by the end of the current financial year. His visit underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s rail services and modernizing its rolling stock.
As production ramps up, industry experts and commuters alike are optimistic that the new Vande Bharat coaches will not only redefine travel standards but also boost the operational efficiency of India’s rail network. With improved design and technology, these coaches are set to offer a seamless travel experience that aligns with the nation’s broader ambitions of technological progress and infrastructural excellence.
