Vande Bharat 2.0: Only minor upgrade from first version

CHENNAI: Judging the efficacy of the much-hyped second edition of Vande Bharat express by a few animal run-overs on track is not a fair reading of the fastest indigenous train of the country.

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Perambur has done some minor upgrades between the first edition rolled out in 2019 and the four sets of the latest versions used in the north this year. One of the unique features has been the Kavach, a train collision avoidance system, which prevents impending accidents.

The latest VB also has a sophisticated Coach Control Management System for monitoring AC, communication and feedback to control centre or maintenance staff through GPRS. The new train sets have been equipped with finer heat ventilation and AC control using higher efficiency compressors with UV lamps for germ-free supply of air.

Unlike the previous version, which reaches 160 kmph in 145 seconds, the latest version would achieve the same in 140 seconds. Another defining feature is the superior flood proofing for under-slung electrical equipment that would withstand floods upto a height of 650 mm (2 feet), against 400 m of the old version.

Passengers also would not have to go through the trouble of manually operating the toilets as the new VB has touch-free amenities for bio-vacuum loos. Display of passenger information and infotainment system has been upgraded from 24 to 32 inches in the VB train.

Aerosol-based fire detection and suppression systems in all electrical cubicles and toilets

ICF to deliver VB express to Southern Railway in 2 months

People of Tamil Nadu or Kerala could likely ‘spot’ a Vande Bharat express criss-crossing their states. The ICF is expected to deliver the next rake of its latest version of VB express to Southern Railway (SR) in a couple of months.

ICF sources said that they were in the process of manufacturing, which has been delayed by constraints in raw material supply.

“There have been some difficulties in sourcing raw materials since the beginning of COVID. The supply chain was hit by production and cost-related issues world over. However, production is continuing,” said an ICF official. “The next train set will be delivered in 2 months to the Southern Railway. The board decides which zone gets the train set based on commercial viability and availability of infrastructure. It’s not our choice. We only know that the next one is earmarked for the southern zone.”

People of Tamil Nadu would be able to enjoy VB journey even if it went to southwestern railway, which has already sent a proposal to the Railway board to operate VB express from Bengaluru to Chennai and Coimbatore.

A senior railway official has revealed that the fifth VB to be delivered to Southern Railway would most likely be operated between Chennai and Mysuru via Bengaluru. Chennai-Mysuru route, which has a Shatabdi Express running on the route, has the viability and relatively better infrastructure to accommodate VB. But the journey time might not change a great deal.

“Track infrastructure only allows operations of trains upto 110 kmph on the route. Except the Chennai-Gudur section, which was upgraded to 130 kmph a few days ago, other tracks only support 110 kmph. So, VB train wouldn’t work here,” the officer added.

ICF has planned to produce 75 VB trains in the next few years. Of which, it has proposed to deliver 27 trains before March 31, 2023.