How Vande Bharat Express marked a tech leap for railways. Next stop: Bullet trains
Fifty years after the first Rajdhani Express was launched, and over 30 years after the Shatabdi, came the Vande Bharat Express - a technological leap that has changed modern day travel on Indian Railways.
In March 1969, the Indian Railways launched its first Rajdhani Express train. This marked a significant milestone in the nation's railway history as it broke the speed limit that had previously constrained the railways for over a century. The Rajdhani Express introduced fully air-conditioned trains that revolutionized inter-city travel in India.
Nearly two decades later, the Shatabdi Express trains were introduced, offering a comfortable daytime travel experience. This marked a new era for inter-city travel, providing a more convenient and pleasant journey for passengers. Over the years, Indian Railways continued to innovate, consistently pushing the boundaries of speed, comfort, and technology.
In 2019, the Vande Bharat Express emerged as the next significant evolution in passenger trains. This train set not only boasted speed and acceleration but also provided passengers with modern interiors, improved onboard services, and a contemporary travel experience. Known as Train 18, it was designed and rolled out in a record 18 months, symbolizing India's entry into the semi-high-speed self-propelled train set category.
With no need for a locomotive to pull it, the Vande Bharat Express demonstrated India's commitment to advancing railway technology and providing passengers with world-class travel experiences.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
