Vande Metro: Indian Railways Set To Roll Out New Train Soon! Check Top Images, Features, Expected Routes

Vande Metro: After introducing the semi-high speed 160 kmph Vande Bharat Express, Indian Railways is all set to roll out its new train - the Vande Metro - for short-distance intercity travel. Inspired from the Vande Bharat Express, Vande Metro or Vande Bharat Metro as it is popularly known, aims to revolutionize train travel over smaller distances for the common man. When will the first Vande Metro train be launched? What are its special features? We bring you some top facts and images:

Vande Metro was first announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in February 2023. Two prototypes of Vande Metro are currently being manufactured at RCF Kapurthala and ICF Chennai. These are expected to be completed in the coming months and will be tested extensively.

Vande Metro vs Vande Bharat: Like the Vande Bharat Express train, the Vande Metro is a self-propelled train set that does not require a locomotive to haul it. The primary objective behind the development of the Vande Metro is to replace Mainline EMU trains, aiming to provide passengers with faster and more comfortable travel options.

Vande Metro trains will make use of rapid acceleration and deceleration technology to achieve a top operational speed of 130 kmph, significantly surpassing the speed of the current Mainline EMUs.

Vande Metro features: Passengers will enjoy a comfortable journey in the fully air-conditioned coaches of the Vande Metro. The trains will feature fully sealed gangways for easier movement between coaches and a dust-free environment, similar to the Vande Bharat Express.

Vande Metro trains will feature a lightweight aluminium luggage rack, along with Passenger Information Systems equipped with LCD displays, ensuring a comfortable and smooth journey for passengers seeking a premium short-distance travel experience.

Vande Metro trains will offer automatic entry and exit doors for passengers, mobile charging sockets, KAVACH train anti collision system, Diffused lighting, route indicator displays, wider panoramic sealed windows with roller blinds, and several other convenient features.

Vande Metro: Contemporary designed lightweight cushioned seats will be installed in the Vande Metro, which will also have a lightweight car body. Each coach will accommodate 100 seated passengers and provide standing room for an additional 200 individuals.

Vande Metro coaches will have CCTV cameras, emergency talk-back units, modular toilets with vacuum evacuation system, automatic fire detection and alarm systems. These measures will provide a secure and reliable travel experience for commuters.

Vande Metro Routes: According to a TOI report, railway officials have said that Vande Metro trains are likely to operate on routes such as Agra-Mathura, Delhi-Rewari, Lucknow-Kanpur, Tirupati-Chennai, and Bhubaneswar-Balasore. The number of coaches in the new Vande Metro train will be either 12 or 16, depending on the route's demand.