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Vande Bharat Express: Journey From India's 1st Electric Train In 1925 To Today's Engine-Less Railway Travel

India's first electric train came in 1925 and today the country is launching the engine-less Vande Bharat Express every month. Here's how India's state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Express evolved.

By : ABP News Bureau | Updated at : 27 Jun 2023 02:28 PM (IST)

Vande Bharat Express: Indias First Electric Train In 1925 To Engine-Less Railway Travel PM Modi Train 18 Vande Bharat Express: Journey From India's 1st Electric Train In 1925 To Today's Engine-Less Railway Travel

A Vande Bharat Express (top). The Deccan Queen passenger train (bottom) pulled by an electric locomotive.

Source : PTI, Getty Images

The Vande Bharat project, India's first engine-less trains initiative, is now running at full pace, with 23 trains being flagged off in different parts of the country. The first of these high-speed short-distance trains was flagged off from New Delhi on February 15, 2019, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express now covers around 760 km in 8 hours.

Vande Bharat Express: Journey From India's 1st Electric Train In 1925 To Today's Engine-Less Railway Travel

Evolution Of India's Electric Trains Till 'Train 18'

The Vande Bharat project, previously known as Train 18, is a completely made-in-India initiative. It's fully electric and runs without a locomotive. The evolution of electric trains in India has been a remarkable journey, marked by significant advancements and milestones. From the humble beginnings of electrification experiments in the early 20th century to the grand launch of the Vande Bharat Express, India's electric train network has undergone a transformative process.

The first electric train in India made its debut in 1925, when the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (later Central Railway) introduced electric locomotives on the Bombay Victoria Terminus-Thane section. This marked the beginning of a new era in Indian rail transportation. Over the years, several electrification projects were undertaken, gradually expanding the network of electric trains across the country.

One of the significant milestones in the evolution of electric trains in India was the introduction of the 25 kV AC system on December 9, 1959, on the Rajkharswan-Dangoaposi section in the Chakradharpur division of the South Eastern Railway. This standardized system allowed for efficient and reliable operations, leading to further electrification projects. By the 1990s, major routes like the Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai corridors were electrified, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing passenger comfort.

'Mission Electrification'

In 2014, the Indian government launched the "Mission Electrification" initiative, aiming to electrify the entire rail network. This ambitious project sought to replace diesel locomotives with electric ones to reduce carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. As a result, the Indian Railways witnessed a rapid expansion of electrification, with thousands of kilometres of tracks being electrified every year. With the 100% implementation of the Mission Electrification by 2024, the Indian Railways aims to become the world's largest 'Green Railway Network'.

Vande Bharat Project

A major part of this mission is the Vande Bharat Express project, also known as Train 18. This state-of-the-art electric multiple unit (EMU) train has been designed and manufactured in India. Manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory and designed by the Research Designs & Standards Organisation, the Vande Bharat Express comes with cutting-edge technology, offering features like automatic doors, regenerative braking, and improved energy efficiency. The Vande Bharat Express symbolizes India's prowess in indigenous manufacturing and its commitment to sustainable transportation.

On June 27, 2023, PM Modi is slated to flag off five Vande Bharat Expresses — the maximum number of launches in a single day — taking the total number of such trains to 23. The Vande Bharat trains, with schedules and routes identical to the Shatabdi Express, are expected gradually replace the latter.

Vande Bharat Express: Journey From India's 1st Electric Train In 1925 To Today's Engine-Less Railway Travel

The Vande Bharat Express, touted to be India's fastest train, is designed to run at speeds of 180 kmph. However, an RTI query revealed that they are achieving an average speed of 83 kmph due to a lack of high-speed corridors. Commercial operations of the train are capped at 130 kmph and even that speed is seldom achieved. The railway networks across India are now being upgraded to enable these trains to achieve their full potential.

Here is a list of Vande Bharat trains that have been launched so far, including the five that are being flagged off on Tuesday.