Journey of Vande Bharat Express India’s fastest train 180km/h

The Vande Bharat Express, popularly known as Train 18, is an innovative high-speed train in the Indian railway system. The fastest train in India, this train can reach 180 km/h.

This train represents a technological breakthrough for Indian railroads because it was created and built in India. Previous trains were imported. The train’s name, “Vande Bharat,” means “India’s pride” in Hindi and symbolises the nation’s transportation achievement. Passengers love the train’s speed, luxury, and safety.

Vande Bharat Express facilities

The Vande Bharat Express is a high-speed train with several facilities that make the ride comfortable and pleasurable. The train comprises 16 air-conditioned coaches, two executive class and 14 chair car. Each coach seats 52. The train has bio-toilets, GPS-based passenger information, automated door shutting, and CCTV cameras for security. A pantry car supplies food and drinks on the train.

Executive class coaches include luxurious reclining seats and personal reading lamps, while chair car coaches have rotating chairs that can be changed 180 degrees to face the direction of travel. All coaches offer Wi-Fi and smartphone charging outlets. The train’s luggage compartment protects passengers’ belongings. India’s most roomy train seats 758 people. Divyangjan (disabled) travellers are also accommodated.

Vande Bharat Express’s history and growth

Train 18, the Vande Bharat Express, was developed and built in India. The Chennai-based Indian Railways Integral Coach Factory (ICF) produced the train. In 2016, the project was announced to create a high-speed rail to rival the world’s most extraordinary.

The first train prototype was constructed in 2018. On February 15, 2019, the train began commercial operations after much testing. Delhi-Varanasi was the train’s maiden commercial service. Speed, comfort, and safety have made the train a hit from its introduction.

The 758-passenger train can achieve 180 km/h. It has bio-toilets, GPS-based passenger information, automated door closure, CCTV cameras, and Wi-Fi. The train has emergency braking and passenger alerting systems. The Vande Bharat Express represents Make in India, which promotes manufacturing and creates jobs.

Vande Bharat Express route and timetable

The Vande Bharat Express runs high-speed trains across India. Visakhapatnam to Secunderabad, Howrah to New Jalpaiguri, Nagpur to Bilaspur, MGR Chennai Central to Mysuru, Mumbai Central to Gandhinagar Capital, New Delhi to Amb Andaura, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to New Delhi are the routes (Train No. 22439).

Visakhapatnam To Secunderabad takes 8 hours and 30 minutes to travel 698 kilometres from 05:45 to 14:15. The Secunderabad–Visakhapatnam route similarly departs at 15:00 and arrives at 23:30, travelling 698 kilometres in 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Howrah – New Jalpaiguri takes 7 hours and 30 minutes to go 565 kilometres from 05:55 to 13:25. The return trip from New Jalpaiguri to Howrah takes 7 hours and 30 minutes, covering 566 kilometres from 15:05 to 22:35.

Nagpur To Bilaspur Vande Bharat Express

Nagpur To Bilaspur takes 5 hours and 30 minutes to go 412 kilometres from 14:05 to 19:35. Bilaspur To Nagpur takes 5 hours and 30 minutes to travel 412 kilometres from 06:45 to 12:15.

MGR Chennai Central – Mysuru takes 6 hours and 30 minutes to go 497 kilometres from 05:50 to 12:20. For the return trip, the Mysuru – MGR Chennai Central route leaves Mysuru at 13:05 and arrives at 19:30, travelling 497 kilometres in 6 hours and 25 minutes.

New Delhi – Amb Andaura takes 5 hours and 15 minutes to go 412 kilometres from 05:50 to 11:05. The return trip from Amb Andaura to New Delhi takes 5 hours and 25 minutes, covering 412 kilometres from 13:00 to 18:25.

Mumbai Central – Gandhinagar Capital takes 6 hours and 15 minutes to travel 522 kilometres from 06:10 to 12:25. Gandhinagar Capital – Mumbai Central returns at 14:05 and arrives at 20:15, travelling 522 kilometres in 6 hours and 10 minutes.

New Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra takes 8 hours and 655 kilometres, departing at 06:00 and arriving at 14:00. The return trip from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to New Delhi covers 655 kilometres in 8 hours, departing at 15:00 and arriving at 23:00.

Finally, the New Delhi–Varanasi route leaves New Delhi at 06:00 and arrives at 14:00, travelling 759 kilometres in 8 hours. The Varanasi–New Delhi returns trip leaves at 15:00 and arrives at 23:00, travelling 759 kilometres in 8 hours.

Vande Bharat Express ticketing

• Visit the Indian Railways website (www.irctc.co.in).
• Sign in.
• Click “Book Ticket.”
• Choose “New Delhi” as the source and “Varanasi” as the destination.
• Select the travel date and the number of people.
• Select AC Executive Chair Car or AC Chair Car.
• Provide name, age, gender, etc.
• Pay via debit/credit card or other means.
• Your email will get an e-ticket after payment.

IRCTC counters at crucial railway stations sell Vande Bharat Express tickets.

Vande Bharat Express tips

• Book Vande Bharat Express tickets 15 days in advance to prevent last-minute issues.
• Valid picture ID: Aadhaar, PAN, Driving License, or Voter ID Cards are required for verification.
• Arrive early: Passengers should arrive 30 minutes before departure.
• Baggage allowance: 35 kilogrammes is the passenger weight restriction (including hand luggage).
• Choose e-catering: Onboard e-catering lets passengers order from their favourite eateries.
• Free and unlimited Wi-Fi on all Vande Bharat Express coaches.
• Follow Indian Railways safety rules to travel safely and comfortably.

Vande Bharat Express: India’s high-speed rail future

The Vande Bharat Express bodes well for Indian high-speed rail. Indian Railways planned and built this world-class train. It can drive 829 kilometres between Delhi and Varanasi in eight hours at 180 km/h. Wi-Fi, charging outlets, bio-toilets, CCTV cameras, entertainment systems, and ergonomic seats are also on the Vande Bharat Express.

The Automatic Train Protection system prevents collisions. After Japan, France, and China, India now has a semi-high-speed train service. In the following years, the government aims to instal additional such trains nationwide.

Vande Bharat Express vs Indian high-speed trains

India’s fastest train is the 160-kmph Vande Bharat Express, India’s first semi-high-speed train. Power outlets, Wi-Fi, CCTV cameras, bio-toilets, and other modern facilities were planned and built in India. Delhi-Varanasi travel duration has dropped from 12 to 8 hours.

The Vande Bharat Express takes 1 hour less than the Gatimaan Express, which goes from Delhi to Agra at 160 kmph. The Mumbai-Goa Tejas Express travels 552 kilometres in 8.5 hours at a top speed of 200 kmph. The Rajdhani Express travels from Delhi to Mumbai in around 15 hours at 130 kmph.

The Vande Bharat Express is the fastest and most comfortable Indian high-speed train.