Indian Railways set to launch first Vande Metro: A Mini Marvel!

Indian Railways is on the verge of introducing a groundbreaking addition to its fleet – the country’s inaugural Vande Metro. The revelation came from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the Union Budget 2023-24, and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai is actively involved in its production.

The Vande Metro stands as a compact counterpart to the renowned Vande Bharat series, India’s pioneering semi-high-speed train developed domestically. Finalized in design and production last year, the ICF is striving to unveil this innovative version by the fiscal year’s end, with plans to gradually replace existing suburban trains.

BG Mallya, the General Manager of Integral Coach Factory, confirmed the national transporter’s commitment to launching the inaugural Vande Metro by the end of March. Speaking on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day at the ICF Stadium, Mallya declared, “ICF is planning to roll out the prototype of Vande Metro by March this year.”

Railway Minister Vaishnaw, in a previous statement, outlined the role of the Vande Metro in big cities with significant populations situated within a 50-60 km periphery. The train, a testament to India’s engineering prowess, aims to elevate the commuting experience for students, daily commuters, and business professionals. Equipped with cutting-edge passenger amenities, the Vande Metro promises a swift and world-class shuttle-like journey for passengers.

The anticipated launch of Vande Metro services is slated to commence in Mumbai, where the aerodynamically designed train will operate at a maximum permissible speed of 130 kmph. The fully air-conditioned marvel is set to redefine urban commuting, with plans to expand production in the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a significant leap in India’s railway advancements.