On both cost and technology, ‘Vande Bharat’ beats competition, thanks to Indian railway engineers
It redounds to the credit of our railway engineers and technicians that several countries have expressed varying degrees of interest in acquiring ‘Vande Bharat’ trains for modernising their rail system and expanding public transport infrastructure. The list of countries that are considering importing these India-made trains spans across continents. It includes Chile, Canada, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, South Africa, some middle eastern countries and even advanced European nations.
So what appeal do ‘Vande Bharat’ trains hold to the potential overseas buyers? One is the advanced technological features of these state-of-the-art trains. These include modern safety features, semi-high-speed capability (up to 180 km/h), and automatic doors. Their cutting-edge design and operational efficiency make them attractive to countries looking for modern, reliable rail solutions.
The other is cost-effectiveness. Compared to similar high-speed trains developed in Europe or Japan, ‘Vande Bharat’ trains are cheaper to manufacture and operate. Trains with similar features manufactured in other countries cost in the range of Rs 160-180 crore, whereas India manufactures the ‘Vande Bharat’ at much less, at a cost ranging from Rs 120 to 130 crore. This makes them a competitive choice for countries with growing rail infrastructure needs but limited budgets. Another attractive feature is the potential these indigenously developed trains offer for customisation based on regional needs.
The train also beats competitors when it comes to pick-up speed. ‘Vande Bharat’ takes just 52 seconds to reach from 0 to 100 kmph; this exceeds Japan’s bullet train, which takes 54 seconds to get from 0-100 Kmph. It has one hundred times less noise experience than an aircraft and its energy consumption is much less.
These trains are designed to handle diverse weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold, making them suitable for a variety of international environments, from tropical to colder regions. They are energy-efficient, incorporating regenerative braking systems that help reduce power consumption. This focus on sustainability appeals to countries aiming to reduce their carbon footprint while modernising transportation.
Surface transportation experts concur with the view that as India begins to export more of its railway technology, including metro systems and locomotives, the international demand for ‘Vande Bharat’ is a testimony to its growing reputation, positioning it as a trusted partner for countries looking to upgrade their rail networks.
Needless to add, these trains have shown excellent performance within India, with their punctuality, speed, comfort, and safety records being key selling points. International interest grows as other nations see their success in India’s complex railway network. These factors combine to make ‘Vande Bharat’ trains an attractive option for countries looking to modernise their railway systems with a blend of technology, cost-efficiency, and reliability.
