PM to flag off Vande Bharat 2 from Gandhinagar to Mumbai on Sept 30

Vaishnaw said the train was tested on 70-80 different parameters and both the speed and ride quality were comparable to international standards. “Among the main parameters, the new Vande Bharat achieved 0-100 kilometer per hour speed in 52 seconds. The global benchmark of a world-class train is when it achieves 0-100 kmph in 55-56 seconds. The ride index—the amount of vibrations of a train—was 3.2. It means the ride index is of superior quality. In Europe, the ride index is around 2.8. When we improve the tracks, we will also attain a similar ride index of 2.8 or 2.7,” the minister explained.

The third parameter that was tested was regeneration. “When the train brakes, it acts as a power generator and the energy is resupplied to the overhead wires. It is a big technological achievement. This train has superior regeneration. During the tests, the train ran empty but when it is loaded, we expect the energy savings to be between 15-19 per cent. The train’s cost can easily be recovered from this regenerative electricity,” Vaishnaw said. The minister added that the upgraded version of the train has a smooth braking system as well.

According to the railway minister, the government will launch 75 Vande Bharat trains by August 15, 2023 which will connect pairs of cities that are within 400-500 kilometres. “After we deliver 75 trains, the next batch of trains will be sleeper trains. The designs are ready,” he added.

Earlier, while addressing an audience at GCCI, the minister narrated how the two Vande Bharat trains launched in 2019 have covered a distance equivalent to travelling 18 times around the Earth “without a breakdown”. These two trains currently operate between New Delhi and Varanasi, and from New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Katra.

Vande Bharat 3

Currently, the existing Vande Bharat trains operate at 160 kilometer per hour and the new Vande Bharat 2 train will operate at 180 kmph. The Indian Railways will be developing a Vande Bharat 3 version that will touch 220 kmph and is expected to be first operated on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route.

“Ahmedabad-Mumbai is a classic origin-destination (OD) pair that is highly suitable for rail travel. The two cities have a large population, are large business and commercial hubs, and the distance between them is 540 kilometres. This distance is ideal for a train journey,” Vaishnaw said, adding the proposed bullet train will cover the distance in 2 hours and 40 minutes, while the Vande Bharat 3 version, which will travel at 220 kilometres per hour, will take around three hours.

“We are making five technical changes to the existing railway tracks. We will have to redesign the tracks (for running faster trains). The rails will be of higher strength and will be able to take a load of 25 tonnes compared to the existing 22 tonnes. The crossover between rails where trains usually slow down will use better technology. The safety system will be revamped,” he added.