Shruti Suman
In a significant development for the Indian railway system, the government plans to upgrade 40,000 bogies to Vande Bharat standards as part of the Budget 2024. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed this initiative during her Budget speech, underscoring the government’s commitment to modernize railway infrastructure. She stated, “40,000 regular rail bogies will be converted to Vande Bharat to improve the safety, convenience, and comfort of passengers.” The Finance Minister also highlighted the introduction of three major economic corridors programs aimed at enhancing the transportation of energy, cement, and minerals.
“These corridors include the mineral,energy, and cement corridor, a port connectivity corridor, and a high traffic density corridor,” finance minister announced while presenting the Interim Budget of 2024 in the Lok Sabha.
Sitharaman mentioned that the railway projects fall under the PM Gati Shakti Yojana, facilitating multi-modal connectivity. “These corridors will boost GDP growth by enhancing logistics efficiency and reducing logistics costs,” she added.
The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, represents India’s first indigenous semi-high-speed train, launched in 2019. Renowned for its state-of-the-art features and comfort, the train operates at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, offering a faster and more efficient mode of transportation.
The decision to convert 40,000 bogies to Vande Bharat standards signifies a significant stride in improving the overall quality of train services in the country. These upgraded bogies will feature modern amenities and technology, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for passengers.
Benefits of the Conversion to Vande Bharat Standards
One of the primary advantages of upgrading bogies to Vande Bharat standards is the reduction in travel time. Semi-high-speed trains can cover longer distances in shorter durations, enhancing connectivity between cities and stimulating tourism and economic growth.
Alongside improved speed and comfort, Vande Bharat bogies will boast advanced safety features, including fire-resistant materials, anti-derailment measures, and enhanced braking systems. These measures aim to ensure passenger safety and minimize the risk of accidents.
The conversion process will be executed in phases, with the goal of completion by Budget 2024. This ambitious plan aligns with the government’s vision of transforming the Indian railway system into a world-class network.
