CHENNAI: The Indian Railways has announced that the inaugural non-AC Vande Bharat train is scheduled for launch in October, offering affordable travel options while maintaining both speed and comfort. This train will boast enhanced interiors, passenger amenities, and upgraded couplers to ensure a smooth and jerk-free journey.
However, officials have indicated that the maximum speed of this train is anticipated to be capped at 130 kmph, in contrast to the AC Vande Bharat trains. This limitation is rooted in the consideration that traveling at high speeds with open windows might not always be practically suitable.
The initial non-AC Vande Bharat train will comprise 21 coaches, accompanied by two locomotives sporting matching colors, according to officials. These non-AC variants also employ Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coach coaches, designed to accommodate higher speeds. To facilitate increased speed, a specially manufactured locomotive will be connected to both ends of the train for a push-pull operation.
As part of this year’s plans, two such trains are slated for introduction, as stated by officials.
These non-AC Vande Bharat trains are manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. In the current year, the ICF Chennai aims to manufacture around 3,241 coaches across approximately 30 distinct variations, including innovative models of the Vande Bharat trains. Additionally, they are set to produce the Vande Metro, for short-distance intercity commuting, featuring double leaf doors to facilitate swift passenger boarding and disembarking.
Notably, the non-AC Vande Bharat trains will also come equipped with two doors for comfortable passenger boarding and alighting, as confirmed by the ICF Chennai.
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