While both train categories aim to reduce travel time for passengers, they cater to different requirements as well.
With the introduction of Vande Bharat Express trains, passengers are able to travel within significantly reduced travel time and the trains have even provided a smoother journey experience across the country. Clearly, with the addition of these semi-high-speed trains, rail travel in India was completely transformed. Originally launched as Train 18 in 2019, the Vande Bharat Express trains have proved to be a game-changer for Indian Railways, and has managed to connect major India cities in half the time.
As for now, around 82 Vande Bharat Express trains are operational in India, and more routes are in the pipeline. Now owing to its success, the Indian Railway system is looking to launch a new category of trains called – Vande Metro.
For those of you who don’t know, the Vande Metro is a short-distance version of the Vande Bharat Express trains, and it would focus on suburban travel, thereby, aiding passengers to travel in shuttle-like experience at an affordable cost. The Vande Metro would connect around 124 cities in India, which are located at a distance of approximately 100-250 kilometers. It would be able to provide both inter-city and intra-city travel.
For now, the planned routes for Vande Metro trains include Delhi to Rewari, Agra to Mathura, Lucknow to Kanpur, Bhubhaneshwar to Balsore, and Tirupati to Chennai. The prototype for Vande Metro is under development by the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala, Punjab. The trails for the Vande Metro are expected to commence in July 2024, and then promptly thereafter, they would be launched.
Route: While Vande Metro would remain focused on connecting major cities within a short distance, the Vande Bharat Express trains look at covering longer distances and connect multiple cities.
Frequency: Vande Metro trains will operate frequently, and shuttle back and forth between cities four or five times a day. Vande Bharat Express trains would remain to operate once or twice a day.
Size: Both trains will have a minimum of 12 coaches and up to 16 coahces, but their coach configurations differ. Vande Bharat Express would have a comfortable seating for all travellers. Vande Metro, on the other hand, would reportedly have seats for 100 passengers and 180 passengers would be able to stand.
Speed: Vande Metro can reach a maximum speed of 130 kilometers per hour. Vande Bharat Express can reach up to 183 kilometers per hour.
