The first half-high-speed trains in India, Vande Bharat Rakes, were produced at the Integral Coach factory in Chennai; the Kapurthala Railway Coach Factory; and the modern coaching factories, Kapurthala and Raebareli. File | Image source: G. Moorthy
A report on railway safety says that Indian Railways’ flagship train (Vande Bharat Express) is also prone to serious accidents.
The report, HinduVande Bharat train lead coach says that it is much lighter than a (regular train) motorcycle, hitting any obstacles, or even cattle running around can lead to serious accidents at higher speeds.
A report generated by the Railway Safety Committee of the Ministry of Civil Aviation explains the safety measures taken by railways to operate high-speed trains.
The Ministry of Railways is asked to ensure that strong fences are provided to prevent humans and cattle from posing a threat to the train, and the report says that transit gates should be eliminated in routes where the train runs at 160 kmph.
“Deploy RPF personnel”
Railways should determine regular intrusion sites/cattle imports and design appropriate mechanisms such as deploying Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, patrolling regularly and providing subways to facilitate crossing of farmers with cattle.
Also Read: Soon, Vande Bharat Express’s seating capacity will double
The first half-high-speed trains in India, Vande Bharat Rakes, were produced at the Integral Coach factory in Chennai; the Kapurthala Railway Coach Factory; and the modern coaching factories, Kapurthala and Raebareli.
As of December 26, 2024, there were 136 Vande Bharat trains on the railway network. In 2024 alone, 62 Vande Bharat train services were introduced.
Hundreds of Vande Bharat Rakes, including new sleeper category classes for long distance travel, vary during the manufacturing phase of the production unit. Since the launch of Vande Bharat Express, many bulls have had their hit percentages that have hurt the leading coaches.
Also read: Interiors, Vande Bharat Sleeper Express toilet cabins now made in Sri city
The safety report specifically raised the issue, saying that hitting cattle at higher speeds could lead to serious accidents. The alarm is when the railway plans to operate the train at 160 kmph on several routes.
The report requires RPF and other department officials to conduct regular inspections to inspect and prevent trespasses. Land residents adjacent to railway property should feel the danger of crossing the track.
While increasing the speed of the train from 130 kmph to 160 kmph, some new permanent speed limits were introduced in the section with sharp curves. The presence of a large number of permanent or temporary speed limits will put the locomotive pilot under constant pressure.
The report said the railway should take a sincere effort to reduce curves, increase transition lengths and simplify yard layouts to reduce the number of permanent speed limits.
“Rake safely absorbs cow hits”
Asked about his comments, former chief mechanical engineer ICF Shubhranshu said the front nose cones of these trains were designed to make some impacts on energy torture and absorption. In addition, the front bull guard was made to sc and deflect the obstacle.
He said the main coach of the Vande Bharat train was within the average weight of the coach. “It’s light compared to a locomotive. But that’s how the train is designed. There are no locomotives in front and the propulsion capacity is distributed along the train. Even the emus of the Indian Railway, the atmosphere of the Indian Railway and all trains anywhere in the world have similar arrangements. It doesn’t make the train safer,” he said.
Mr. Shubhranshu led the ICF team, ICF, which set its first Train18 Rake in 18 months during the 18-month period in October 2018. The rake is known as the Vande Bharat Express and was marked between Delhi and Varanasi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019 and was considered one of India’s most successful products in February 2019.
publishing – April 20, 2025 09:25 pm ist
