Vande Metro First Prototype by August: See the Details Here

Updated: Monday, February 12, 2024, 16:09 [IST]

In a significant development for the Indian Railways, the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) located in Kapurthala, Punjab, is set to introduce the prototype of the Vande Metro coach by April this year. This announcement, as shared by the unit's general manager S Srinivas, marks a pivotal step towards enhancing intercity travel in India.

The Vande Metro, drawing inspiration from the Vande Bharat train - India's first indigenous semi-high-speed train, is designed to cater to passengers traveling distances of up to 250 kilometers.

Features of Vande Metro Coaches

The Vande Metro coaches come with a range of innovative features aimed at improving the passenger experience. With a capacity to accommodate 280 passengers, including 100 seated and 180 standing, these coaches are designed for comfort and efficiency. The interior boasts a 3x3 bench-type seating arrangement, optimized to increase passenger capacity while ensuring a comfortable journey for medium-distance travels.

For safety and convenience, the coaches will be equipped with a passenger talkback system allowing communication with the train driver in emergencies, and 14 sensors dedicated to fire and smoke detection.

Accessibility is a key focus of the Vande Metro design, with features including a wheelchair-accessible lavatory. Additionally, the train's safety measures are further bolstered by the inclusion of the Kavach system, a pioneering technology to prevent collisions.

The gangway between coaches is designed to be as wide as corridors, facilitating easy movement throughout the train. Furthermore, the thoughtful design extends to the windows and doors, which are made wider for emergencies and ease of access, alongside automatic plug doors at the entrance and touch-free doors within the compartments.

Enhancements for Passenger Comfort

In a move to enhance passenger comfort, especially during colder months, the coaches will provide hot water in lavatories. The commitment to passenger experience is evident in the attention to detail in the design and features of the Vande Metro coaches.

The RCF's initiative also includes the production of additional coaches, with plans to roll out a next rake of 24 coaches in March this year and two more rakes in the next financial year.

Expanding the Heritage and Utility Fleet

Apart from the Vande Metro, the RCF is also focusing on expanding its heritage and utility fleet. This includes the introduction of Vistadome coaches on the heritage Kalka-Shimla route, designed to offer passengers a unique travel experience with panoramic views of the picturesque landscapes.

Following successful trials, these coaches are awaiting clearance for operation. Additionally, the production of 30 more Vistadome coaches is planned for the next financial year, post safety clearance.

The RCF's achievements further extend to the trial of a double-decker cargo liner coach, capable of carrying 46 passengers and six tonnes of load, on the Ambala-Sahnewal section. This initiative underscores the RCF's role in innovating and enhancing the Indian Railways' coach manufacturing capabilities.

DriveSpark Thinks

Since its inception in 1988, the RCF in Kapurthala has been at the forefront of coach manufacturing, with over 43,000 coaches built to date. The introduction of the Vande Metro coaches is a testament to the RCF's commitment to advancing India's rail infrastructure, setting new benchmarks in passenger comfort, safety, and accessibility.

As the RCF gears up to roll out the first prototype of the Vande Metro coach, it marks another milestone in India's journey towards modernizing its railway system for the future.