New Delhi: The semi-high speed Vande Bharat Express trains are being rolled out on different routes across the country. The Union Railway Ministry will next introduce a short-distance train service called Vande Metro.
According to Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Vande Metro trains are expected to be ready by December this year.
They will be different from Vande Bharat trains and will operate between cities located around 100 kilometres of each other.
“Vande Metro will be a different format compared to Vande Bharat. It is being built in a format that trains with very high frequency, like around four-five times a day. It can ply between cities with a distance of less than 100 kilometres and they are comfortable and affordable. It will be ready around December,” ANI quoted Vaishnaw as saying.
According to the Railway minister, it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s wish to develop Vande Metro.
“The Prime Minister has given the target this year. After the success of Vande Bharat train, he asked us to develop a new world-class regional train, which will be Vande Metro,” Vaishnaw said.
The inaugural Vande Metro service may be between Kanpur and Lucknow, covering about 90 km.
Vande Bharat vs Vande Metro
* Vande Metro to operate on short distances of around 100 km. Vande Bharat trains cover distances of around 500 km.
* Speed of Vande Metro will be faster than Vande Bharat Express trains, and will offer a rapid shuttle-like experience to passengers
* Vande Metro will have a high frequency, and is likely to run 4 to 5 times a day. Vande Bharat runs 6 days a week as of now
* Vande Metro trains will be smaller in size, most likely with 8 coaches. Vande Bharat Express trains are attached with 16 coaches.
* Despite the high speed, Vande Metro will be affordable for daily commuters.
