KOLKATA: Kolkata Tourists looking forward to a journey to Puri are expected to enjoy a comfortable trip soon. If everything goes according to plan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually flag off the 2nd route of Vande Bharat train in West Bengal in May month.
West Bengal, which already has one Vande Bharat, is expected going to get a second Vande Bharat train in May. The train might possibly be make trip to other routes, such as Howrah-Ranchi or Howrah-Patna. The Railway Board will make the final decision.
The provision of Vande Bharat trains including other items of coaches comes under PH 21-Rolling Stock Programme, for which an amount of Rs. 19479 crore has been allocated available in Revised Estimate of Financial Year 2022-2023 In addition, Indian Railways has announced a manufacturing schedule for 102 Vande Bharat Rakes, of which 35 will be built in 2022–2023 and 67 in 2023–2024 in the company's production facilities (Integral Coach Factory, Rail Coach Factory, and Modern Coach Factory).
The additional 75 Vande Bharat rakes are intended as sleeper versions, for a total of 75. In addition, Indian Railway intends to produce 400 Vande Bharat trains (Sleeper variant) using three distinct technologies. Tenders have been issued to identify the technology partners who will produce the trains in IR production units using IR labour. 8000 Vande Bharat Coaches have also been suggested for the Budget 2023–24 in addition to the aforementioned.
Vande Bharat 2.0 has more improvements and innovations than its predecessor, including the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 52 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 km/h. In comparison to the previous version's 430 tonnes, the enhanced Vande Bharat Express would weigh 392 tonnes. Additionally, it will feature an on-demand Wi-Fi content facility. Compared to the previous model's 24" screens for passenger infotainment, each coach now has 32" screens. Due to the ACs' 15% greater energy efficiency, Vande Bharat Express will also be environmentally beneficial. Travel will be more comfortable thanks to the traction motor's clean, dust-free cooling system. All classes will now have access to a side recliner seat feature that was previously only offered to Executive Class guests. 180-degree rotating chairs are an added bonus on executive coaches.
A photo-catalytic UV air purification system is incorporated in the Roof-Mounted Package Unit (RMPU) in the new Vande Bharat Express design to purify the air. This system is built and placed on both ends of the RMPU, as advised by the Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), Chandigarh, to filter and clean the air free from contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms coming through fresh air and return air.
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