In an ambitious move, the Indian Railways is all set to introduce the Vande Metro, a premium air-conditioned train designed for swift, short-distance travel. This groundbreaking project, first announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the post-Budget 2023 railway briefing, aims to offer commuters a rapid and comfortable mode of travel, with speeds reaching up to an impressive 130 kmph.
The Vande Metro is specifically tailored for travel distances of up to 300 kilometers, effectively replacing what is known as the Mainline EMU. This development was disclosed by ICF GM BG Mallya , as the manufacturing of the inaugural Vande Metro train is already underway, with plans for a rollout in January 2024.
The Vande Metro boasts several key features, closely aligned with those of the renowned Vande Bharat Express trains, with one notable distinction being the provision for standees. In each coach, there will be room for 100 seated passengers and an additional 200 standees, maximizing its passenger-carrying capacity.
The train offers a host of exceptional features, including:
– Impressive operating speed of 130 kmph
– Comprehensive air-conditioning
– Fully sealed gangways for passenger safety
– Lightweight car body and ergonomically designed cushioned seats
– Four sets of wider automatic plug-in doors for seamless boarding and disembarking
– Sleek, aerodynamically designed driving ends
– State-of-the-art CCTV surveillance, cameras, and PIS system equipped with LCD displays
– Thoughtful amenities like diffused lighting, route indicator displays, and mobile charging sockets
– Advanced safety features such as an automatic fire detection and alarm system
– Expansive panoramic sealed windows with convenient roller blinds
– Emergency Talk Back Unit for enhanced passenger communication
– Modern modular toilets with a vacuum evacuation system
– Lightweight aluminum luggage racks
– The KAVACH train anti-collision system
– Specially designated toilet facilities for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) in the driving car
As ICF GM BG Mallya emphasizes, the Vande Metro is designed to be a significant upgrade from the MEMU, incorporating essential features such as air-conditioning, automatic doors, the Kavach safety system, and intelligently designed gangways. This pioneering project represents a leap forward in India’s rail transportation landscape.
