Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conducted an inspection of the advanced Vande Bharat 2.0 sleeper trains under production at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Accompanied by ICF General Manager U Subba Rao, the minister reviewed various manufacturing divisions, including sleeper coaches, pantry cars, and the furnishing section.
Highlights of Vande Bharat 2.0 Trains
The Vande Bharat 2.0 trains are an upgraded version of their predecessors, featuring advanced safety and efficiency systems:
- KAVACH Safety System: Equipped with KAVACH, an advanced train collision avoidance system, ensuring enhanced passenger safety.
- Energy Efficiency: These trains are designed to reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, making them more economical and environmentally friendly.
- Higher Speed: Capable of reaching a top speed of 180 kmph, offering faster travel across long distances.
- Reduced Weight: The new version weighs 392 tonnes compared to the earlier 430 tonnes, making it lighter and more efficient.
- Improved Safety Features: Enhanced fire safety measures and floodproofing capabilities enable the train to withstand water levels up to 650 mm.
Integral Coach Factory – A Pioneer in Coach Manufacturing
Established in 1955, the Integral Coach Factory is one of India’s premier train manufacturing units. Spread over 511 acres, ICF produces more than 2,500 coaches annually and employs over 9,300 workers. It continues to play a vital role in modernizing India’s railway infrastructure with innovations like the Vande Bharat series.
The production of Vande Bharat 2.0 is expected to boost India’s rail transportation system by offering faster, safer, and more energy-efficient travel solutions for passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Vande Bharat 2.0 Sleeper Trains
Q1: What is special about Vande Bharat 2.0 trains?
A: Vande Bharat 2.0 trains are designed with advanced technology, offering energy efficiency, enhanced safety features, higher speeds of up to 180 kmph, and improved passenger comfort. Key upgrades include the KAVACH collision avoidance system, better fire safety, and floodproofing capabilities.
Q2: How are Vande Bharat 2.0 trains different from the earlier version?
A: The Vande Bharat 2.0 trains are lighter, weighing 392 tonnes compared to 430 tonnes in the earlier version. They consume 30% less energy and feature advanced floodproofing and fire safety systems.
Q3: What is KAVACH technology?
A: KAVACH is an advanced train collision avoidance system designed to enhance the safety of trains by preventing collisions through automatic braking and signaling mechanisms.
Q4: Where are Vande Bharat 2.0 trains being manufactured?
A: The trains are being manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, which is one of India’s oldest and largest train manufacturing units.
Q5: What is the maximum speed of Vande Bharat 2.0 trains?
A: The maximum speed of Vande Bharat 2.0 trains is 180 kmph, making them one of the fastest trains in India.
Q6: How do these trains improve energy efficiency?
A: Vande Bharat 2.0 trains are designed to save up to 30% of electrical energy through advanced propulsion and braking systems.
Q7: What safety measures have been added in Vande Bharat 2.0 trains?
A: Apart from KAVACH, the trains have improved fire safety systems and floodproofing mechanisms, capable of withstanding floodwater levels up to 650 mm.
Q8: How many employees are involved in the production of Vande Bharat trains at ICF?
A: Over 9,300 employees at the Integral Coach Factory are engaged in producing more than 2,500 coaches annually, including the Vande Bharat series.
Q9: When will the Vande Bharat 2.0 trains be operational?
A: The exact launch date of Vande Bharat 2.0 trains has not been officially announced. However, production is currently underway at ICF.
Q10: How will Vande Bharat 2.0 benefit passengers?
A: Passengers will benefit from faster travel, increased comfort, modern amenities, improved safety, and reduced travel time due to the train’s high speed and efficient design.