The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is a semi-high-speed train service operated by Indian Railways. It was launched as part of the 'Make in India' initiative and entered commercial service on February 15, 2019. Here are some key details:
Features
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Speed: The train can reach a maximum operational speed of 160 km/h (99 mph), making it one of the fastest trains in India.
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Design: The trainsets are self-propelling Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) with eight, sixteen, or twenty coaches.
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Comfort: It offers AC Chair Car and AC Executive Class seating, with features like rotatable seats, wide windows, on-board WiFi, infotainment systems, and bio-vacuum toilets.
Routes
The Vande Bharat Express operates on several routes across India, including:
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Varanasi-New Delhi
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New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra
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Mumbai Central-Gandhinagar Capital
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New Delhi-Amb Andaura
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MGR Chennai Central-Mysuru
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Bilaspur-Nagpur
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Howrah-New Jalpaiguri
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Visakhapatnam-Secunderabad
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Mumbai CSMT-Solapur
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Secunderabad-Tirupati
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Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram
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Howrah-Puri
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Anand Vihar Terminal-Dehradun
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Ajmer-Delhi Cantt
The Vande Bharat Express is a significant step towards modernizing India's rail network, offering faster and more comfortable travel options for passengers.
Technology used in vande bharat train
The Vande Bharat Express incorporates several advanced technologies to enhance passenger comfort, safety, and efficiency. Here are some key features:
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Self-Propelling Electric Multiple Units (EMUs): The trainsets are self-propelling, eliminating the need for separate locomotives and allowing for faster acceleration and deceleration.
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Automatic Doors: All coaches are equipped with automatic doors, providing secure entry and exit points.
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GPS-Based Passenger Information System: This system provides real-time updates and information about the journey, including location and upcoming stops.
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On-Board WiFi and Infotainment: Passengers have access to on-board WiFi and infotainment systems for a more enjoyable travel experience.
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Bio-Vacuum Toilets: These toilets use vacuum technology to efficiently dispose of waste while conserving water, significantly improving onboard hygiene standards.
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Sensor-Based Water Taps: Eco-friendly sensor-based water taps in washrooms conserve water resources by automatically dispensing water upon detecting hand movements.
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CCTV Cameras: Strategically positioned CCTV cameras monitor passenger compartments and public areas, enhancing security and facilitating crime prevention.
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Odour Control System: Advanced odour control systems neutralize unwanted smells throughout the train, ensuring a pleasant travel experience.
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Intelligent Braking System: This system enables better acceleration and deceleration, contributing to the train's high-speed capabilities.
These technologies make the Vande Bharat Express a modern and efficient mode of transportation, setting new standards for rail travel in India.
Vande Bharat compare to other high-speed trains
The Vande Bharat Express stands out among high-speed trains in India due to its advanced features and modern design. Here's a comparison with other high-speed trains:
Vande Bharat Express
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Speed: Maximum operational speed of 160 km/h.
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Design: Aerodynamic design with lightweight coaches.
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Comfort: Reclining seats, 180-degree rotating seats in executive class, on-board WiFi, infotainment systems, and bio-vacuum toilets.
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Safety: Equipped with Kavach technology, an advanced Train Collision Avoidance System, CCTV cameras, and automatic doors.
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Energy Efficiency: Advanced regenerative braking system that saves about 30% of electricity.
Gatimaan Express
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Speed: Maximum operational speed of 160 km/h.
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Design: Similar to Vande Bharat but with fewer advanced features.
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Comfort: Comfortable seating and onboard services, but lacks some of the modern amenities found in Vande Bharat.
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Safety: Standard safety features but not as advanced as Kavach technology.
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Energy Efficiency: Conventional braking system.
Shinkansen (Japan)
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Speed: Maximum operational speed of 320 km/h.
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Design: Sleek, aerodynamic design with advanced technology.
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Comfort: Spacious seating, onboard WiFi, and various amenities for passenger comfort.
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Safety: Advanced earthquake detection and automatic braking systems.
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Energy Efficiency: Highly efficient with regenerative braking systems.
TGV (France)
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Speed: Maximum operational speed of 320 km/h.
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Design: Aerodynamic design with high-speed capabilities.
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Comfort: Comfortable seating, onboard services, and amenities.
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Safety: Advanced safety systems including automatic train control.
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Energy Efficiency: Efficient with regenerative braking systems.
Comparison Summary
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Speed: Vande Bharat and Gatimaan Express have similar speeds (160 km/h), while Shinkansen and TGV are faster (320 km/h).
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Design and Comfort: Vande Bharat offers modern amenities and comfort comparable to international high-speed trains.
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Safety: Vande Bharat's Kavach technology is a significant advancement in safety, though international trains have their own advanced systems.
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Energy Efficiency: Vande Bharat's regenerative braking system is on par with international standards.
Overall, the Vande Bharat Express is a significant step forward for Indian Railways, offering a blend of speed, comfort, and safety that competes well with other high-speed trains globally.

