The Vande Bharat Express, also known as the Train 18, is a semi-high-speed, electric multiple unit train operated by Indian Railways. It was designed and manufactured by the government owned Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the 8th Vande Bharat Express train connecting Secunderabad with Visakhapatnam on 15th January 2023. It will halt at Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry and Vijayawada stations in Andhra Pradesh and at Khammam, Warangal and Secunderabad stations in Telangana.
It was built with the vision of low cost maintenance and cost optimization in mind. Vande Bharat Express has a maximum commercial speed of 160 km/h. Its exterior employs an aerodynamic design intended to reduce air resistance at high speedsIt began the service on February 15, 2019 Acceleration and deceleration of Vande Bharat Express are famous.
The train has a driver cabin at each end, allowing for faster turnaround at terminating stations. The train’s underframe electrical equipment can withstand floods up to 40 centimetres.
The Prime minister said, “Vande Bharat express will greatly benefit both pilgrims and tourists as the travel time between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam will be reduced.
Speaking about the train connectivity across India, he said that so far seven Vande Bharat trains in the country have covered a cumulative distance of 23 lakh kilometres, equivalent to 58 rounds of earth. More than 40 lakh passengers have travelled in Vande Bharat trains so far, he said.
“Vande Bharat is a symbol of New India’s capability and resolve”, the Prime Minister continued, “It is a symbol of that India which has chosen the path of rapid development.”
