The Epic Train Journey Aboard the Vande Bharat

By Amelia

It was a cold, chilly December morning when me and my family were waiting for the Vande Bharat express on the New Delhi Railway Station! It was my first train journey ever and what an ultimate experience it proved to be aboard the Vande Bharat running between New Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. Our destination was Chandigarh, the City Beautiful! We waited for about ten minutes and then I heard the whistle of the train. My heart started thumping loudly due to sheer excitement.

When the train came, there was some hustle and bustle. However, we were able to onboard the train comfortably. Inside it was warm and cosy. I was pleasantly surprised to find comfortable seats with enough legroom. The seats were so snug that I could have fallen asleep (but I didn’t as I wanted to experience and cherish each moment of this journey).

As we settled in, a Didi greeted us serving warm smile and hot water for Tea/coffee. I could not take my eyes away from the running scenery outside. The fog slowly began to recede and the fields began to blossom in the sun. I was able to see the beauty of the countryside in its full glory.  Soon we were served breakfast. I must say the vegetable cutlets, peas poha, yummy muffin and some curd, was the most delicious breakfast I ever had. Voila! This was a comforting and a relaxed breakfast I had even when the train was almost running at the speed of more than 120km/hour.    

The train stopped only at Ambala station to continue its whizzing sojourn. I also saw many thatched houses, sprawling mustard fields and rows of tall Eucalyptuse tress. My camera was constantly filming each frame passing by rapidly but etched in memory forever. I watched the train tracks as if they were a live movie running. At times the train tracks were in one direction and then they merged and became one track!

Our destination arrived. Having thoroughly enjoyed the journey, I was in no mood to get off. However, the charm of the city we were visiting allured me and there was a respite – the return journey was by Vande Bharat too!   

Some Amazing facts of Vande Bharat

1.  temperature-controlled cabins,
2.  the perfect ambient lighting
3.  bio-vacuum washrooms
4.  The train is constructed completely in India, with a regenerative braking system, the Kavach protection, and seats that swivel by 180 degrees
5. Self-Propelled: It’s an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trainset, meaning no separate locomotive, allowing for quicker acceleration and deceleration.
6. Speed: Capable of speeds up to 160 km/h, reducing journey times significantly.
7. KAVACH: Equipped with indigenous automatic train protection system for safety.
8. Regenerative Braking: Saves up to 30% electrical energy.
9. Sealed Gangways: Fully sealed, soundproof gangways allow passengers to move between coaches easily and reduce noise.
10. Aerodynamic Design: Sleek, modern look built for high speeds.
11. Seating: Ergonomic, reclining seats; Executive Class has 180-degree rotating seats.
12. Amenities: Mobile charging sockets at every seat, on-board Wi-Fi, infotainment, and modern lighting.
13. Catering: Mini pantry with hot cases for meals and beverages.
14. CCTV in all coaches and emergency talk-back units.
15. GPS-Based Info: Real-time updates on next station, speed, etc.
16. Fire Safety: Aerosol-based detection and suppression systems.
17. Versions: Available in 8, 16, and 20-car configurations.