Here’s a story-style summary about the Vande Bharat Express

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Here’s a story-style summary about the Vande Bharat Express, India’s iconic semi-high-speed train that symbolises the nation’s engineering ambition and modern rail journey.

 The Journey of Vande Bharat Express: India's Pride on Rails.

  In the heart of India’s bustling railway network, a quiet revolution was brewing. For decades, Indian trains had symbolised the country’s diversity and democracy. But what if the future of Indian Railways could also be sleek, fast, and proudly made in India? That vision took shape in 2019, when Train 18 was launched—India’s first semi-high-speed train built under the “Make in India” initiative.

Soon, it was renamed Vande Bharat Express, a name that stirred patriotism and reflected India’s rapid stride towards technological self-reliance. Born in Chennai, Bound for Greatness Designed and manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, Vande Bharat was not just another train—it was a marvel.

 With an aerodynamic engine-less design, automatic doors, onboard Wi-Fi, a GPS-based passenger information system, and airline-like seating, it offered a new kind of travel experience to Indians. It could run at speeds up to 180 km/h, although it usually operates around 130–160 km/h on most routes.

The first Vande Bharat Express, inaugurated on February 15, 2019, connected Delhi to Varanasi, cutting down travel time drastically and offering unmatched comfort. It quickly became a symbol of India’s rail renaissance. Speed Meets Sustainability. 

Each Vande Bharat Express runs on electric power, making it a green alternative to diesel-run trains. With regenerative braking, it conserves energy. The train’s design is modular and futuristic, with features to match international standards—all made by Indian engineers, technicians, and workers. Expanding the Network.

  After its debut success, more Vande Bharat trains were rolled out. As of 2025, India boasts over 50 Vande Bharat Express routes, connecting metros, tier-2 cities, and even tough terrains like Jammu & Kashmir and the Western Ghats. In 2023, the second-generation Vande Bharat Express (VB 2.0) was introduced—lighter, faster, more energy-efficient, and equipped with Kavach, India’s indigenous automatic train protection system.

A Symbol Beyond Transport Vande Bharat Express is more than just a train—it’s a national statement. It represents what modern India can achieve: combining speed with safety, innovation with tradition, and global standards with local talent.

Passengers across the country, from students and families to executives and tourists, now view Vande Bharat not just as a mode of transport, but as a journey into India’s promising future.

Here are the key features of the Vande Bharat Express, which make it stand out as India’s premium semi-high-speed train:

 1. Speed and Performance Top Speed: 180 km/h (usually operates at 130–160 km/h depending on the route) Acceleration: Reaches 100 km/h in just 52 seconds Reduced Travel Time: Cuts journey time by up to 40% compared to traditional trains

 2. Made in India Designed and manufactured entirely in India by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai Part of the "Make in India" initiative Developed at a significantly lower cost compared to similar global trains

 3. Modern Coach Design Seating: Comfortable reclining seats, with rotating seats in executive class.  Air-conditioning: Fully air-conditioned.  Seamless ride quality: Less noise, vibration, and jerks due to modern suspension

 4. Passenger Comfort and Tech Wi-Fi onboard GPS-based passenger information system Touch-free bio-vacuum toilets CCTV cameras for security LED lighting for energy efficiency

 5. Hygiene and Cleanliness Automatic sliding doors Sensor-based water taps Touchless garbage management system Coach sanitisation and modern cleaning procedures

 6. Energy Efficiency Electric propulsion (no locomotive engine) Regenerative braking system saves up to 30% electricity Designed with better aerodynamics to reduce air drag

 7. Safety Features Kavach: Indigenous automatic train protection (ATP) system to avoid collisions.  Fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems.  Emergency communication between passengers and the train crew

 8. Luggage and Accessibility Spacious overhead luggage racks Accessibility features for differently-abled passengers (wider doors, ramps, etc.)

 9. Route Expansion Over 50 Vande Bharat routes by 2025, connecting major cities, hill stations, and pilgrimage sites.  Routes include: Delhi–Varanasi, Mumbai–Gandhinagar, Chennai–Mysuru, Secunderabad–Visakhapatnam, and more

 10. Executive Class Amenities Two classes: Chair Car and Executive Chair Car Executive class offers: Swivelling seats,  Extra legroom,  Premium food services,  Personal reading lights.

 Here’s an updated overview of the number of Vande Bharat Express trains operating in India, along with their latest operational highlights:

 How Many Vande Bharat Trains Are in Service?  By January 2025, India had deployed around 66 Vande Bharat Express trains across the country. According to another official count, 72 trainsets (covering 144 train numbers) were active in 16 Railway Zones as of early 2025. Therefore, as of mid‑2025, India operates approximately 66–72 Vande Bharat Express services.