Vande Bharat Express has completely changed the rail journey in India, its indigenously developed semi-high-speed technology has started a new era of mobility. This state -of -the -art train has not only improved the experience of travelers, but has also contributed to the economic growth of the country.
The Vande Bharat Express built in Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF) is designed for a maximum speed of 160 kmph. However, concern has been expressed whether its operational speed has decreased over time.
These concerns came to light when many MPs asked Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav about the reasons behind its low average speed despite the high speed capacity of the train. He also sought updates about the government’s plans, deadlines and strategies to run the train at its optimal speed.
Responding to these questions, Vaishnav said that the speed of the train is not only affected by rolling stock, but is also affected by the track infrastructure on its path. He emphasized that upgrading and improving the railway track is a continuous process in Indian Railways.
Vaishnav said, “In 2014, the speed capacity of only 31,000 km of track was 110 km per hour and more, which is currently rectified to about 80,000 km.”
Currently, in different parts of the country, 136 Vande India i.e. 68 pairs of semi-hai-highs are serving their services. Vande Bharat trains launched on 15 February 2019 are running on various routes with their full capacity. Being the fastest train in India, it is ahead of both Shatabdi and Rajdhani Express in speed and efficiency.
