The next generation of Vande Bharat trains will be capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 kmph: Railway Minister

Nearly 1,600 coaches will be manufactured at the facility in Latur. Each coach will cost Rs 8 crore to 9 crore. “The project will create opportunities for companies located in a radius of 400 km to 500 km,” he added.

Talking about the next generation of Vande Bharat Express, Vaishnaw said, “The maximum speed of these trains will be 200 kmph as compared to 180 kmph now. The first coach of this version will be rolled out in the next 15 to 16 months.

On challenges in manufacturing the semi-high-speed trains, the minister said, “We succeeded in bringing down the noise level inside them to 60-65 decibels, which is less than an aircraft (85-90 decibels).” The speed of laying railway tracks has gone up since 2014, he said.

“The speed of laying railway tracks was 4 km per day prior to 2014,” Vaishnaw said. “This has now reached 12 km per day and the government intends to scale this up to 20 km per day,” Vaishnaw said. Aurangabad will get a 5G internet facility before March 31, 2023, he said. The Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC) will be developed as an investment destination by the railway ministry, Vaishnaw said.