Countries including Chile, Canada, and Malaysia are showing significant interest in importing Vande Bharat trains from India. As per a PTI report, these international buyers are drawn to the trains for a variety of reasons.
Cost-Effectiveness and Design Advantages
A key factor driving interest is the cost-effectiveness of the Vande Bharat trains. While comparable trains from other nations typically cost between ₹160 and ₹180 crores, India produces the Vande Bharat for approximately ₹120 to ₹130 crores. Additionally, the Vande Bharat stands out for its speed, reaching 100 km/h in just 52 seconds—quicker than Japan’s bullet train, which takes 54 seconds to reach the same speed. The design of the Vande Bharat trains is also noted to be superior, operating at noise levels significantly lower than aircraft and demonstrating low energy consumption.
Expansion of India’s Rail Network
Indian Railways is making strides to extend its track network and enhance train services. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnav recently revealed that over the past decade, more than 31,000 kilometers of tracks have been added, with an ambitious target of an additional 40,000 kilometers.
Focus on Speed and Safety
Vaishnav assured that progress on the bullet train project is on schedule. Addressing safety concerns, the Railways is prioritizing the deployment of its indigenous automatic train protection system, Kavach, which aims to cover about 40,000 kilometers of the network and will be installed in 10,000 locomotives. The SIL-4 certified Kavach system is expected to reduce accidents by 80% and help mitigate human error.
The Minister also announced that tenders for 10,000 locomotives and 9,600 kilometers of track have been issued. Kavach has already been implemented on multiple routes, including 632 kilometers between Mathura-Palwal and Mathura-Nagda, as well as 108 kilometers on the Kota-Sawai Madhopur line. Training courses for 426 Chief Loco Inspectors on the Kavach system are currently underway at IRISET.
Recent Trials of Kavach System
Recently, Vaishnav observed a trial of the upgraded Kavach system between Sawai Madhopur and Indargarh in Rajasthan. He underscored the commitment to enhancing safety standards, including conducting 97,602 inspections, verifying 90,000 signal plans, and renewing 2,500 kilometers of track. Ultrasound testing is being performed throughout the network, with notable progress in track and weld evaluations.
Vaishnav announced the introduction of 20 new Phased Array Ultrasound machines for weld testing, the rehabilitation of 990 railway bridges, and the construction of 304 flyovers and underpasses. Additionally, 5,300 fog safety devices have been installed, and the hardship allowance for trackmen has been increased by 25%, from ₹2,700 to ₹3,375 per month.
