Railways To Launch Superfast Vande Bharat Freight Train Soon

As the fourth Vande Bharat Express flagged off from Una, Indian Railways is going ahead with a concrete plan to roll out a freight version of the semi-high-speed to attract more high-value white goods and perishable commodities.

Currently, various modes of transportation are used to deliver the special categories of cargo which include fruits and vegetables, milk and parcels.

The plan is to manufacture freight Electric Multiple Units (EMU) on Vande Bharat platforms at Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai, said a senior ICF official. The Vande Bharat trains have been tested successfully at speeds between 120 and 180 km/ph.

So the same technology can be utilised to move freight to reduce the amount of time needed for transportation considerably.

Hoping to attract e-commerce in a big way, the superfast parcel service of the new freight version of the semi-high-speed train is slated to be operated between the Delhi-NCR and Mumbai regions.

The coaches of the freight EMU will be offering time-tabled service to ensure timely delivery of goods. They will be specially designed to carry temperature-sensitive cargo in a time-bound manner.

The freight EMU rakes will be designed for 160 km/ph speed with automatic sliding plug doors. The rate and possible routes are being worked out in consultation with its stakeholders.

The Railways is exploring various innovative ideas to diversify freight operations to regain its market share.