The Bengaluru-Mysore Expressway is a testament of Modi government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure in the country. Improved connectivity between Bengaluru and Mysore is likely to lead to increased business opportunities and tourism in the area.
Vande Bharat Express
India’s first semi-high speed train, the Vande Bharat Express, was launched by Prime Minister Modi on 15 February 2019. The train offers Indian travellers a myriad of superior amenities and provides passengers with aircraft like travelling experience.
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The Vande Bharat Express (initially known as Train 18) is the first self-propelled semi high-speed train, with an operational efficiency of 160 kmph, designed and manufactured in India for long-distance inter-city travel. The first Vande Bharat Express, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi between New Delhi and Varanasi on 15 February 2019, was rolled out by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai under ‘Make in India’ program.
The 16-coach train, built in 18 months at a cost of Rs 97 crore is regarded as a successor to the 30-year-old Shatabdi Express. At the original price, it is estimated to be less than half the global cost of a similar train imported from Europe, which would cost around Rs 200 crore. The Made in India Vande Bharat Express project involved conceptual design, detailed design, development and prototype tests of sub-assemblies, and the subsequent supply chain, assembly, and manufacture of the shells, followed by furnishing, testing and commissioning. As Indian Railways did not have ready technology for 160-kmph-fit motorized bogies, the team had to develop bogies with fully suspended traction motors and under-slung propulsion systems, with an attractive exterior.
The engine-less Vande Bharat Express is run on a distributed traction power system, which is increasingly becoming the norm the-world-over for passenger operations. Distributed power gives the train higher acceleration and deceleration compared to loco-hauled trains, which take a much longer time to reach top speed or to gradually come to a halt. Alternate coaches of the train are motorized to ensure even distribution of power and to help in the quicker acceleration and deceleration. Because of its high speeds (max speed of 160 km/h) the train reduces journey time by 25 to 45 per cent. Further, it has an intelligent regenerative braking system which can save up to 30 per cent of electrical energy, thereby making it cost, energy and environment efficient. The Vande Bharat Express propelled India into the exclusive club of 7-8 other countries in the world that operate such high-speed trains.
Equipped with world-class conveniences, the Vande Bharat Express provides a completely new travel experience to Indian travelers. From passengers’ perspective, Vande Bharat trains are a definite step up from Shatabdi trains. They have coaches with Chair Car type configuration with 2 Executive Class Chair Cars and 14 Chair Cars. The total seating capacity is 1,128 passengers. The seating capacity is much more than the conventional Shatabdi rake with an equal number of coaches, thanks to shifting of all electric equipment below the coaches and seats in the driving coach as well.
The Vande Bharat Express train has completely sealed corridors and censored interconnecting doorways for a dust-free environment. All the coaches of this express train are furnished with programmed entryways, onboard Wi-Fi for amusement purposes and a climate control system that adjusts the temperature according to occupancy and weather. The toilets are touch-free bio-vacuum toilets. The trains also include Divyang-friendly washrooms and seat handles with seat numbers in Braille letters. The lightings are dual-mode, which is diffused for general illumination and can be personalized individually for every seat. It has an advanced state-of-the-art safety feature — the Kavach technology, an indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System.
Budget 2022 laid out a grand plan of introducing 400 semi-high speed next generation Vande Bharat trains in the next three years. The new Vande Bharat trains would have improved features including reclining seats, automatic fire sensors, CCTV cameras, on-demand content with wifi Facility, three-hour battery backup and GPS systems to make travelling safer and more comfortable. To increase the fire safety level, the train would be equipped with an aerosol fire suppression system in all coaches. Every coach on the train will have four emergency windows in case of an untoward incident. The new Vande Bharat trains will also have better heat ventilation and air-conditioning control system. The passenger information and infotainment system will have 32 inches display instead of 24 inches as seen in the earlier trains. The train will also have a Better Coach Control Management System for monitoring the air conditioning, communication and feedback to control centre/maintenance staff through GSM/GPRS. A voice recording facility will also be available in driver-guard communication. In case if the electricity supply of the coaches fails, the train has been equipped with four emergency lights. The Vande Bharat Express offers Indian travellers a myriad of superior amenities and provides passengers with aircraft like travelling experience.
Tags: The New India, Infrastructure
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