Vande Metro Completes Inaugural Trial Run Between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, Sets New Milestone
Mumbai, 8th November 2024: The Vande Metro train, built for high-speed intercity travel, completed its inaugural trial run this week between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, covering a distance of 130 km. The train successfully reached Mumbai on Monday, passing through Surat, where a team from the Railway Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) evaluated various performance aspects.
Inspired by the Vande Bharat Express, the Vande Metro features 12 air-conditioned coaches with a total of 1,150 ergonomically designed seats. It is equipped with modern safety and security systems, including CCTV surveillance, media response mechanisms, and real-time passenger information displays.
With its rapid acceleration and deceleration capabilities, the Vande Metro is well-suited for intercity routes ranging from 250 to 350 km, completing these journeys in approximately 3 to 5 hours. Its speed and efficiency are expected to surpass the performance of standard MEMU trains, enhancing the convenience of regional rail services.
RDSO officials were on hand for the test, where sensors were installed to monitor vibrations, oscillations, and overall performance. Western Railway (WR) representatives highlighted that this was the first high-speed test conducted in Mumbai, with the data gathered to evaluate the trial’s success.
A WR official commented, “This is the first time the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail has been tested at 130 km/h in Mumbai.”
The Namo Bharat Rapid Train, which launched in September, currently operates between Ahmedabad and Bhuj, covering 110 km. Designed as a faster alternative to MEMU trains, it offers amenities like air-conditioned coaches, upholstered seats, CCTV, fire detection systems, and onboard toilets.
Although it reaches a maximum speed of 130 km/h, the Vande Bharat train, with its top speed of 180 km/h, stands apart as a high-speed option for routes between 250 and 350 km, promising efficient and comfortable travel across western India.
