Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Gujarat for two days, will launch the new and improved Vande Bharat Express from Gandhinagar today, news agency ANI reported.


The new Vande Bharat Express, the most awaited freshly constructed semi-high speed train, is finally ready for a commercial run, ushering in a new age of comfortable and enhanced rail travel experience.


The train will travel between Gandhinagar and Mumbai, linking the Gujarat and Maharashtra state capitals.


Speaking about the features of this train, CPRO of Western Railway zone, Sumit Thakur said, “The Vande Bharat Express offers a myriad of superior amenities which will provide passengers with aircraft like travelling experience and advanced state-of-the-art safety features including Kavach technology – an indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System.”


Thakur stated that the train contains bogies with completely suspended traction motors for a maximum operational speed of 160 kmph, as well as an improved state-of-the-art suspension system to provide a smooth and safe ride and better riding experience for passengers.


Thakur went on to say that all classes had reclining chairs, and the Executive Coaches have 180-degree rotating seats.


“Every coach is equipped with 32-inch screens providing Passenger Information and Infotainment. Divyang-friendly washrooms and seat handle with seat numbers in Braille letters have also been provided,” he was quoted by ANI in its report.


Vande Bharat Express also includes several modern safety features.


Highlighting the features, the loco pilot of the Vande Bharat Express, KK Thakur said, “This train has been provided with four platform side cameras outside the coach, including rearview cameras. Also, the train has been designed to increase Indian Railways’ Green footprint by dispensing with the power cars and saving about 30 per cent of electricity with the advanced regenerative braking system. In any emergency situation, loco pilot and train guard can easily communicate with each other as well as passengers.”


To make travel safer and more enjoyable, the new Vande Bharat trains will include reclining seats, automated fire sensors, CCTV cameras, on-demand entertainment with wifi, three-hour battery backup, and GPS systems.


ICF has set the goal of producing 75 Vande Bharat trains by August 2023.


The roof-mounted package unit (RMPU) also contains a photocatalytic UV air purification technology for air purification.


This system is built and placed on both ends of the RMPU, as advised by the Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), Chandigarh, to filter and clean the air arriving through fresh air and return air.


Traveling on the new trains would be more pleasant than in the two trains that are now in service. The reason for this is because the new trains' coaches will be lighter than those of earlier trains.


The train's weight has been decreased by 38 tonnes to 392 tonnes, and it can operate even with two feet of flood water on the rails. These are constructed of stainless steel. Because of the less weight, the passengers would be more comfortable even at high speeds.


The pilot controls the automated gates. The windows are large, and there is more room for luggage. The toilet that is fitted will be cutting-edge. Except for a few minor components, the trains are "Made in India."


This is the country's third Vande Bharat train, with the previous two running between New Delhi and Varanasi and New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.


(With Inputs From ANI)