National Desk, 28th September: India’s Vande Bharat trains are making waves in international markets, with countries like Chile, Canada, and Malaysia expressing interest in acquiring these high-performance trains. Their appeal lies in a combination of advanced features, competitive pricing, and superior acceleration, positioning them as a strong contender in the global rail market.
The Vande Bharat trains are priced between Rs 120-130 crores, significantly undercutting global competitors whose trains are priced at Rs 160-180 crores. Despite the lower price, Vande Bharat trains boast impressive performance, including the ability to reach 100 kmph in just 52 seconds, outpacing Japan’s renowned bullet trains, which take 54 seconds for the same acceleration.
In addition to speed, the trains feature a sleek, energy-efficient design that reduces noise, making them highly attractive to potential international buyers. This attention to both performance and affordability has positioned the Vande Bharat trains as a leading option in the global market for high-speed rail systems.
On the domestic front, India’s Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has outlined major investments in the nation’s railway infrastructure. Over the last decade, India has laid 31,000 kilometers of new railway tracks, with plans to add 40,000 kilometers more in the coming years. The government is also progressing swiftly on India’s bullet train project, with the aim of modernizing the country’s rail network.
Safety is another key area of focus, with Indian Railways rolling out the Kavach automatic train protection system, certified to Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL-4). The system, designed to prevent human errors and reduce accidents by up to 80%, will cover 40,000 kilometers of track and be installed on 10,000 locomotives. Already operational on key routes like Mathura-Palwal and Kota-Sawai Madhopur, Kavach is slated for further expansion.
To support this rollout, Indian Railways has initiated extensive training programs for personnel, including 426 Chief Loco Inspectors, to ensure the efficient and safe operation of this advanced system. This comprehensive approach highlights India’s commitment to enhancing both the speed and safety of its railway system, solidifying its position as a global leader in rail technology.