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Indian Railways to Unveil Saffron-Coloured Vande Bharat Express: A Tribute to the Tricolour
Indian Railways is gearing up to unveil an upgraded version of the Vande Bharat Express and one of the most striking changes is its saffron-coloured exterior. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently shared images of this new train during his visit to the Integrated Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
The saffron-coloured Vande Bharat Express is yet to be operational and is currently stationed at the ICF, where these high-speed trains are manufactured. This makeover comes as part of a broader initiative to improve passenger comfort, safety, and convenience. The train's vibrant new look is inspired by the tricolour of India.
Initially, railway officials had announced that the 28th rake of the Indian-built semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express would feature a saffron colour scheme. Currently, India boasts 25 operational Vande Bharat Express trains, with two more in the traditional white and blue livery already manufactured.
While there was anticipation that this new saffron-coloured train would commence operations in time for Independence Day on August 15, later reports have suggested a possible inauguration date of August 19. However, the official launch date remains uncertain, and no confirmation has been provided regarding when it will commence passenger services.
The Railway Minister noted that this unique colour choice for the 28th rake is "inspired by the Indian Tricolour." What's more, he highlighted that 25 enhancements have been introduced into the Vande Bharat trains based on feedback gathered from field units during their operation.
Minister Vaishnaw underscored the significance of this project, stating, "This is a concept of Make In India, designed in India, by our own engineers and technicians. So, all the feedback we receive from the field units, regarding ACs, toilets, etc., during the operation of Vande Bharat, is being utilized to make design improvements."
In addition to the fresh colour scheme, the Railway Minister also discussed a safety feature under development: 'anti climbers' or anti-climbing devices. These devices will soon become standard features on all Vande Bharat and other trains, contributing to enhanced passenger safety.
The Vande Bharat Express, India's semi-high-speed train, has expanded its reach, now offering services in all rail-electrified states across the nation. This iconic train not only represents the 'Make-In-India' initiative but also showcases India's remarkable engineering prowess.
The journey of the Vande Bharat Express began on February 15, 2019, when the Prime Minister flagged off the first train, which runs between New Delhi and Varanasi. This ambitious project was manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, reflecting India's commitment to innovation and self-reliance in the field of railway transportation.
As India continues to elevate its rail network and infrastructure, the saffron-coloured Vande Bharat Express serves as a tribute to the nation's vibrant identity, beautifully reflecting the colours of the Indian flag. While the official launch date is yet to be confirmed, this exciting addition promises a unique and patriotic travel experience for passengers.
